LeBron James helps Lakers study film while sidelined by sciatica
Although LeBron James wasn’t able to play in the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener, he’s making sure they learn from their loss to Golden State.
Coach JJ Redick said James was “really helpful” during a film session Wednesday as the Lakers’ examined their performance in the 119-109 defeat.
James won’t be ready to begin his unprecedented 23rd NBA season for at least a few weeks due to sciatica, but he is taking a strong interest in the team’s off-court work in an effort to ensure the Lakers get off to a decent start without him, Redick said.
“I told them [that] “He asks questions, gives his input, and the back and forth is very healthy,” Reddick said. “I like to have dialogue, responses and questions every time we film and teach. Do you have a question? Speak up. If you want to make a point, speak up. It’s been good.”
James watched the game from the Lakers’ bench wearing a suit, sitting slightly higher than his teammates in a padded bar stool that Draymond Green jokingly called the “Phil Jackson chair.” James didn’t express much emotion as the Lakers trailed by 17 points in the third quarter and eventually built a lead that wasn’t enough, but he was watching.
James did not participate in training camp or the pre-season while dealing with a neurological disorder that struck him before the start of camp. The Lakers have not set a specific timetable for James’ absence, but they hope to return in November.
After committing 20 turnovers and giving up too many open three-point attempts by a young Warriors team, it’s clear that Los Angeles has a lot of work to do. Minnesota, which eliminated the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs last spring, visits the Lakers’ downtown arena on Friday night.
But the Lakers got a 43-point performance from Luka Doncic, who showed his improved physicality and focus while grabbing 12 rebounds and nine assists in a standout effort.
Dončić needed additional treatment after the game due to an apparent groin strain, but the Lakers are optimistic Dončić was right when he said the injury was “probably nothing.”
“He seems fine,” Redick said of Doncic. “I don’t think it’s serious. He had some treatment this morning, and we haven’t trained for a long time, but he was involved in training.”
Associated Press report.
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