PALM DESERT (AP) — Bronny James played in his first NBA preseason game Friday night, but LeBron James was not in uniform with him when the Lakers hosted Minnesota in the first of Los Angeles’ two weekend games in the Coachella Valley.

Lakers coach JJ Redick opted to hold out LeBron James against the Timberwolves after three tough days of training camp, but the 39-year-old leading scorer in NBA history is likely to play Sunday against the Phoenix Suns — which just so happens to be Bronny’s . 20th anniversary.

Bronny James finished with two points in the Lakers’ 124-107 loss to the Timberwolves, missing his first five shots before making a layup with 56.9 seconds to play. But the 6-foot-2 guard also blocked three shots, and he grabbed one rebound and one assist while playing the first half of the second quarter and most of the fourth, finishing with 16 minutes of action at Acrisure Arena outside Palm Springs.

Redick said Bronny earned playing time in the Lakers’ preseason opener with three strong performances in practice this week.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis played the first of the Lakers’ six preseason games as they return to competition after a busy summer. The two played alongside Suns stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker at the Paris Olympics and won a gold medal for Team USA.

Redick said Thursday that both James and Davis will play in at least one game this weekend.

LeBron seemed to consciously keep his distance from Bronny during the game, allowing his eldest son to focus on his work. But LeBron spoke at length with Bronny during a timeout midway through the second quarter, explaining with hand gestures as Bronny nodded.

Bronny James was the Lakers’ second-round draft pick and he played in the summer league in Las Vegas. He is expected to play for the Lakers in the preseason before spending a significant portion of the upcoming regular season with the South Bay Lakers of the G League.

Phoenix’s preseason opener kicks off at 6:30 PM on ESPN 620 AM and the Arizona Sports app.

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