PALM DESERT, Calif.

In a surprising move, LeBron James will sit out the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves this Friday, as reported by ESPN sources. The 39-year-old superstar is being rested, but fans can expect to see him back on the court during the Lakers’ second game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at Acrisure Arena.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed that both LeBron and star teammate Anthony Davis, who have spent their summer winning gold medals with Team USA at the Paris Olympics, will be part of this weekend's action. This strategy hints at a cautious approach to ensure both players are in top form heading into the regular season.

Excitingly, this game marks a potential debut for LeBron’s son, Bronny James, who is eager to showcase his skills in front of Lakers fans. Coach Redick plans to experiment with various lineups during the preseason, which may give Bronny an invaluable opportunity to gain experience.

Bronny shared his thoughts on the nerves that come with playing at this level, stating, “Of course, there are nerves, but I'm just excited to go out there and learn from the people playing in front of me.” He mentioned being ready to accept feedback from his legendary father, a dynamic that has evolved since their days on the sidelines during Bronny’s high school and college games.

“I’m ready for it,” Bronny added. “Now that we’re teammates, it’s going to be more in-depth talk about the game...” With the family legacy at stake, all eyes will be on both LeBron's and Bronny's performances as the Lakers prepare for an intriguing preseason filled with excitement and anticipation.

Stay tuned as the Lakers gear up for a season that promises extraordinary moments both on and off the court!