The Los Angeles Lakers did not have a good start to the pre-season. They lost their debut game against the Minnesota Timberwolves by a 124-107 score. Both teams were without their star athletes, as Anthony Edwards did not suit up for his team, while LeBron James and Anthony Davis occupied the courtside seats instead of the player bench. After all, as highlighted by JJ Redick, the Timberwolves game “was not a ‘game-plan’ game for us.” With the 17-point margin loss, however, LA fans may want its two lead scorers to not let the team fall into a losing streak.

Fortunately, there is good news awaiting Lakers fans. Taking to his official X account, ‘azcentral’ reporter Duane Rankin highlighted JJ Redick engaging in a Q&A session during a practice session. When asked if LeBron James would be present for the Suns matchup, the head coach replied with a “Yeah.” When asked “Same for AD?”, the reporter once again got back a “Yeah.” Having had the duo away from the first game, their upcoming availability would give the rookie coach another perspective on how to plan out strategies differently. “We’ve mixed some lineups during practices and not just had purple vs gray where it’s strictly starters,” Redick said. “So, we’ve had different groups play and we’ll do that tomorrow, but it’ll be good for those five guys to get some run together.”

If Redick’s comments hold up, this would be the first time LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell start together since their Game 5 loss to the Denver Nuggets. That loss came in the first round of the playoffs. JJ Redick had earlier put the reason for their pre-season debut absence on the duo’s gold-medal run during the Paris Olympics. Given that, combined with the workload that LeBron and Davis had reportedly adopted during training camp, Redick wanted to provide them with some rest before getting into the season that will continue till May 2025. June, if the Lakers manage to get far in the playoffs.

LeBron James’ presence in the second pre-season game will mark a very crucial moment in the history of the NBA. It will be the first time  a father and son will play together in the NBA, on the same team. Upon being drafted as the 55 overall pick, Bronny James represented the Lakers during the Las Vegas Summer League. He averaged 8.8 points, accumulated through 14-40 (35%) field goals, 3-19 (15.8%) three-pointers, and 4-4 (100.0%) free throws. He wasn’t as effective during his pre-season debut, only making 2 points through 1-6 field goals and 0-1 three-pointers. Therefore, along with the moral support from playing alongside his father, Bronny would also get some actual help on the offensive front with LeBron present.

JJ Redick has stated that LeBron James and Anthony Davis will not necessarily play in every portion of the pre-season. LeBron is nearing 40 and Davis has a history of injuries. Hence, the likeliness of both stars playing at specific moments is high. Given their history of dominance against the Phoenix Suns, there is no better time to call them up than now.

How have LeBron James and Anthony Davis been performing against the Phoenix Suns?

In the last six games between the teams, the Lakers’ win record was 4.2. LeBron and Davis played in all the games. LeBron averaged 23 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists during the series. Davis collected 20.7 points, a whopping 13 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Kevin Durant and Co. won the last time the Lakers and the Suns met (February 25). However, , LeBron and Davis were probably the last people to be blamed for the loss. They scored 28 and 22 points respectively. Durant and Devin Booker will be present to take on the Lakers duo. As a result, the game will finally separate the ‘bond’ formed by the four players during the Paris Olympics. They will once again adopt the professional rivalry.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.