Frank Vogel Reveals LeBron James & Anthony Davis Statuses For Preseason Opener vs Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers will meet their city rivals in the preseason opener, and LeBron James and Anthony Davis may not suit up for the game vs Clippers.

The reigning champions will begin their preseason action against Kawhi Leonard’s team. In Tuesday’s press conference, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said his superstars will probably skip the game against the Clippers. Bill Oram of The Athletic was the first to confirm the possibility.

This decision doesn’t come as a surprise. The Lakers were inside the Orlando bubble longer than other NB teams. They have a really short offseason, and this fact is definitely a game changer for the organization.

LeBron and Davis to miss preseason opener vs Clippers

The four-time NBA champion was pretty vocal about the quick turnaround. LeBron will turn 36 later this month and he keeps his body in perfect shape. But, let’s not forget that LeBron has a lot of mileage on his athletic body.

Davis suffered several injuries in the past few years. Maybe the Lakers will give him enough time to recover and prepare his body for a long season. LA won the title, and players can win back-to-back titles, too. That’s why Davis and LeBron should get proper rest.

That’s not all. Chris Haynes of Yahoo reported that the league will fine teams upwards of $100,000 if healthy superstars “are scratched for national TV games.”

NBA teams will be careful with their load management. The new policy on rest may affect coaches’ decision on their superstars. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel will pay close attention to his superstars and he will be careful with the off games for these two.

Preseason openers are not really important. There were some great roster changes, but Vogel won’t rush into using his players in the very first game.

The real struggle begins on Dec. 22. Both LA teams will meet, and it will be a game packed with fireworks. NBA fans wouldn’t miss it even if LeBron and Davis don’t play.

LeBron and his teammates have a lot of work to do, and winning the title is a priority.