Lakers Veteran LeBron James Eases into 23rd NBA Season

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are taking a cautious approach with their veteran superstar LeBron James. The 41-year-old, who is entering his 23rd year in the league, did not participate in the team's first practice of the season.

Lakers veteran JJ Redick explained that the team and James are working together to best manage the unprecedented situation of a player with this much mileage on his body. James, who will turn 41 in December, is the NBA's all-time leader in minutes played and is set to surpass Robert Parrish for the most games played in league history this season.

Redick noted that the Lakers asked a lot of James last year, both in training camp and throughout the season. This year, they are taking a slower approach to get him ready for the October 21st season opener. James is also dealing with some nerve irritation in his glute, further emphasizing the need for a cautious ramp-up.

The Lakers' goal is to have James as sharp and healthy as possible for the long haul of the season. As Redick put it, "there's no proven way to handle someone who has this much mileage, this many minutes, been asked to do so many things on both ends of the court." But the team and the player are working in partnership to figure it out.