Sources – LeBron James will not play in the Lakers’ season opener

PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) — LeBron James will not play in the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason debut Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. James, 39, will have to take some time off but is expected to play in LA's second game against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena on Sunday.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said that James and Anthony Davis — who had a busy summer traveling around the globe with Team USA that culminated with winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics — were scheduled to meet at some point this year would compete against each other this weekend.

James' son, Lakers rookie Bronny James, got his first preseason action Friday as Redick said he plans to experiment with rotating lineups throughout the tournament schedule.

“Of course there are nerves,” Bronny said after the Friday morning shooting. “Comes with everything. But I'm just excited to go out there and learn and learn from the people that are playing in front of me. And if I get the chance to showcase my game, then I will do it to the best of my abilities.”

Bronny said he's willing to hear his father's feedback from the bench when he comes into the game, similar to how LeBron would sit courtside during Bronny's high school, AAU and college games so the two could have an ongoing dialogue .

“Pretty much the same thing, but now we’re teammates,” Bronny said. “So there will be a more in-depth conversation about the game and things like that. So yeah, I’m ready for it.”