Overview

• Coach JJ Redick said James has "a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute," did not practice on Day 1, and the goal is to have him ready for the Oct. 21 opener against the Warriors.
• ESPN reported James will not play in Friday’s preseason opener versus the Suns, with Redick saying a single preseason appearance would be "nice" but not required.
• LeBron’s camp urged the team to be "overly cautious," and he is expected to have limited on‑court work in camp, potentially only light shooting while remaining present as a vocal leader.
• James said he is still ramping after last spring’s Grade‑2 MCL sprain and intermittent foot issues, acknowledging he is not yet where he wants to be physically.
• On a $52.6 million expiring deal, James said his contract will not affect his approach, rejected waiting for son Bryce to enter the NBA, and cited a first full season with Luka Dončić as a key motivator.