JJ Redick Speaks About Monitoring LeBron's Body and Rest During This Season

LeBron James has officially made his season debut. At 40 years old, LeBron is doing something that almost no NBA player has done before. In his first game back from injury, he had 11 points, 12 assists, and three rebounds. More importantly, he helped the Lakers grab a win, which is always the top goal.

Because of LeBron’s age, the Lakers are going to be careful with how they use him this season. They need to make sure LeBron is healthy and ready to rock once the playoffs come. For the Lakers to have the chance of winning a championship, LeBron is going to need to be healthy when things matter most.

Lakers’ coach JJ Redick spoke about how he wants to manage LeBron’s playing time this season.

“We’re gonna have to — we used the word uncharted territory a few times in preseason — we’re gonna have to just manage this as best we can, given that there’s no precedent for it…He knows his body better than anyone. Mike (Mancias, James’ trainer), obviously, is probably No. 2 there. The level of communication we had last year and throughout this six-to seven-week period has been really good. So, I don’t expect to change there. We’ll figure out ways to get him rest when he needs rest.”

While it’s awesome to see LeBron on the floor, the Lakers were just fine without him. If they can continue to be fine without him during the regular season, they can give him the proper rest and time to prepare his body for a deep playoff run come spring.