LeBron James and Anthony Davis should make their preseason debut for the Lakers on Sunday against the Suns.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed the Lakers' first preseason game, a Friday night loss against the Timberwolves.
However, coach JJ Redick spoke with the media after practice on Saturday and was affirmative that AD would play in Sunday's matchup.
JJ Redick says Anthony Davis will play tomorrow vs. Phoenix as well.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) October 5, 2024
LeBron's availability wasn't worded as strong, but he also spoke after Saturday's practice and said he would likely play on Sunday against the Suns.
LeBron said the plan for him is to play tomorrow against Phoenix in Palm Springs.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 5, 2024
With Redick already announcing his starting five, anticipation is building from fans who want to see how the team plays under his supervision. People want to know if changing the coach will make a considerable impact and push this team closer to contention in the West. It’s impossible to judge that without LeBron and AD on the floor.
Still, of all the question marks about the Lakers, the last thing anyone needs to worry about is this dynamic duo.
They've proven they can win at a high level together for years now and they're coming off a summer in which they helped Team USA win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
LeBron has said playing in such competitive games in the offseason has him feeling 'really good physically.' After 21 years in the NBA, going on season 22, he's earned the trust of everyone that he knows how to listen to his body.
AD is coming off arguably his best season as a Laker, making the All-NBA team and suiting up in 76 games, the most he's ever played in his career.
With four preseason games remaining after this weekend, there is still plenty of time to put the full roster together and see how good they look before the season starts.
Whether that happens on Sunday or next week when the Lakers leave California, it's bound to occur sooner rather than later.
However, thinking about what that opening quarter can look like with the main guys is exciting.
If the Lakers can keep the intensity up that they showed in the first preseason game and add LeBron and AD, they might look like a completely different team.
Suddenly, the biggest issue the Lakers will have moving forward is where they will place LeBron and AD's statue after they win banner No. 18.
That's right, the thought of seeing LeBron and AD playing in a preseason game has me dreaming of another title and a Lakers statue unveiling. Optimism is a heck of a drug.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.
