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Lakers End Game-Day Shootarounds to Protect LeBron James During January Grind

Coach JJ Redick scrapped morning sessions to reduce wear on 41-year-old LeBron James.

Overview

  • Redick said the team stopped holding morning shootarounds about 12–13 days ago, noting James’s age and limited value from the routine given the current roster.
  • Since returning from a nerve issue in November, James has skipped all back-to-backs and missed 17 games, putting his 65-game award eligibility at risk.
  • The Lakers face a compressed slate with two back-to-backs this month, opening with Sacramento on the road followed by Atlanta at home on consecutive nights.
  • Redick described January as the team’s toughest month from a games standpoint as the staff manages minutes and workloads.
  • Austin Reaves remains out with a calf injury without a new timetable, and a road-heavy run extends into early February with the annual Grammy trip.