Lakers’ Preseason: LeBron & Bronny James Highlight Timberwolves Matchup

The NBA preseason is here, and for basketball fans, this time of year brings excitement as new lineups, strategies, and players hit the court. As the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves begin their preseason schedules, there are plenty of intriguing storylines to follow. This article will take you through the latest on LeBron James and Anthony Davis and their plans for the Lakers’ preseason opener. We will also delve into the Timberwolves‘ fresh lineup, projected starters, and the rise of Bronny James as he steps into his father’s shoes for the Lakers.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis Sit Out Lakers’ Preseason Opener

The Lakers’ preseason kicked off with a surprising announcement: LeBron James and Anthony Davis would sit out of the first game. The Lakers faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in Palm Desert, California, but the two superstars decided to rest for this matchup. This isn’t anything out of the ordinary, as veterans like James and Davis often take a cautious approach during the preseason to preserve their bodies for the long and gruelling regular season ahead.

LeBron, now 39 years old, and Davis, coming off a summer of travel and participation in global events like the Olympics, have logged many minutes over the past few years. As a result, both players opted to rest during the preseason opener but are expected to take the court in the Lakers’ second preseason game against the Phoenix Suns.

While LeBron and Davis rested, Jaxson Hayes and Max Christie were allowed to start in their places. This is a common practice during the preseason as coaches experiment with different lineups to see what combinations work best before the regular season begins.

Bronny James: The Start of Something Special

One of the most exciting developments for the Lakers’ preseason is the debut of Bronny James, LeBron’s eldest son. For years, basketball fans have watched Bronny grow up, and now, he is stepping onto the NBA stage with the same intensity and skill that his father has displayed for nearly two decades.

Bronny’s excitement was evident before the preseason opener. “Of course, there are nerves,” Bronny admitted before the game. “But I’m just excited to go out there and learn from the people playing before me. And if I can showcase my game, I will do that to the best of my ability.”

While Bronny is still a rookie who is finding his footing, he has the unique advantage of receiving guidance from one of the greatest players in NBA history—his father. LeBron has been a constant presence courtside for Bronny’s high school, AAU, and college games, and now, as teammates, their relationship will only grow stronger. The duo will undoubtedly spend a lot of time discussing strategies, plays, and how to adjust to the NBA game.

“It’s pretty much the same thing, but now we’re teammates,” Bronny said. “So it will be more in-depth talk about the game and stuff like that. So yeah, I’m ready for it.”

The chemistry between the two will be something to watch throughout the season as Bronny learns from his father both on and off the court.

Minnesota Timberwolves: New Faces, New Lineups

While the Lakers’ preseason opener drew attention because of the absence of LeBron and Davis, the Minnesota Timberwolves also have plenty of storylines worth following this preseason. The Timberwolves tipped off their 2024-25 preseason schedule against the Lakers with a new-look team eager to showcase their potential.

The Timberwolves’ offseason moves included the addition of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, two players expected to make a significant impact. With Randle in the mix, Minnesota’s starting lineup is shaping to be one of the most intriguing in the league. The projected starting five includes Mike Conley at point guard, Anthony Edwards at shooting guard, Jaden McDaniels at small forward, Randle at power forward, and Rudy Gobert at center.

Minnesota coach Chris Finch will likely use the preseason to test different lineups and rotations. While the Timberwolves’ starting five will play during the preseason, they may only see limited minutes to avoid unnecessary injuries. Instead, the focus will be on giving younger and less experienced players more time on the court.

Preseason Rotations: Testing the Waters

In addition to the starting lineup, fans can expect plenty of action from the rest of the Timberwolves roster during the preseason. This includes players like Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr., who are eager to prove themselves and secure a more significant role heading into the regular season.

Minnesota also brought several new players on training camp deals, including Skylar Mays, Jaedon LeDee, and Eugene Omoruyi. These players will likely see significant minutes during the preseason as Finch experiments with different combinations and tries to identify who will fill out the final roster spots.

The preseason is a valuable time for teams to figure out their rotations, and the Timberwolves are no exception. With new faces and plenty of talent, Minnesota wants to make a statement in the Western Conference this season.

Bronny James and Dalton Knecht: Rookies Ready for Action

While the spotlight will be on LeBron and Davis once they return to the lineup, the Lakers’ rookies are also ready to make an impression. Dalton Knecht, the Lakers’ first-round pick, is eager to contribute to the team’s success. Knecht knows that his role on the team will be simple yet crucial—knock down shots, play defence, and help space the floor.

“Being ready to knock down shots, defend, and rebound,” Knecht said when asked about his goals for the preseason. “Just space the floor for the guys and then be ready to score the ball. That’s it. Play defense and rebound.”

For Bronny James, the preseason is a chance to build confidence and adjust to the faster pace of the NBA. He knows this level is more challenging than anything he’s faced before, but he’s ready to embrace the experience. “I’d say for me, [it’s] just building confidence, playing at this next level,” Bronny said. “Going out there and getting my reps in. Hitting those shots means a lot, but it’s just getting buckets.”

As the preseason progresses, Knecht and Bronny will have opportunities to showcase their skills and solidify their spots in the Lakers’ rotation. The preseason is about growth and learning, and both young players seem eager to take full advantage of the opportunity.

LeBron James: Balancing Rest and Leadership

Although LeBron James is sitting out the Lakers’ first preseason game, don’t expect him to be idle. Even when he’s not on the court, LeBron remains heavily involved in the team’s activities, offering advice and guidance to his teammates, especially the younger players. As the veteran leader of the Lakers, LeBron’s presence is crucial both on and off the court.

LeBron has always been known for his work ethic and craft dedication; even at 39, he continues to set an example for his teammates. Whether resting to preserve his body for the regular season or working with Bronny and the other rookies during practice, LeBron’s leadership is invaluable to the Lakers’ success.

The preseason may be a time for rest, but LeBron understands that the real work begins when the regular season tips off. With the Lakers looking to make a deep playoff run, LeBron focuses on staying healthy and ready for the challenges ahead.

Conclusion: An Exciting Preseason for Lakers and Timberwolves Fans

As the NBA preseason unfolds, fans of both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves have plenty to look forward to. For the Lakers, the storyline centers around the dynamic between LeBron James and his son Bronny and how the team’s younger players, like Dalton Knecht, will step up during the preseason.

For the Timberwolves, the focus is on their new-look lineup featuring Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Coach Chris Finch will use the preseason to experiment with rotations and lineups, allowing the team to build chemistry before the regular season begins.

While preseason games don’t count toward the standings, they provide a valuable opportunity for players to grow, coaches to test strategies, and teams to prepare for the long season ahead. With so many intriguing storylines and talented players, this year’s preseason promises to be exciting for both Lakers and Timberwolves fans.

As the Lakers and Timberwolves continue their preseason journeys, the anticipation for the regular season only grows. Both teams are poised for success, and with stars like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Julius Randle leading the way, the 2024-25 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling yet.