Media day, which kicks off training camp, took place on Monday for the Los Angeles Lakers. Their first preseason game of the 2025-26 NBA season is quickly approaching — it will take place this Friday, Oct. 3, versus the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena in the Inland Empire.
Despite offseason speculation that he would ask to be traded, LeBron James was in attendance for media day, and he seemed refreshed and excited about the new season. When the topic turned to how much he would play during the preseason, he said he’s not sure at the moment.
Via ESPN:
“It remains to be seen,” James told ESPN when asked about his planned participation in training camp and the preseason. “Obviously, I want to be out there as much as I can … but we know where I’m at, and the coaching staff knows where I’m at as far as me getting to a place where we’re all good as far as getting on the court.
“It’s Year 23 from me. I got a lot of miles on my game. I’ve trained throughout the course of the offseason, but just my presence is going to be important as well. Making sure that even if I’m not on the floor, I’m always in tune to what we’re doing so I know what’s going on at all times. So, just looking forward to that.”
The Lakers will have six exhibition games this season. Their second one will be on Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Golden State Warriors, and their next contest after that will be a week later. L.A.’s last four preseason games will take place within a window of just six days.
James reportedly sprained his MCL in Game 5 of the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs when the team was knocked out of the postseason by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Going into his record 23rd season, managing his body and his workload will, as usual, be of the utmost importance.