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4 things to watch for during the Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason

By Brad Magsam

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in Game Six of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Player fatigue

Seven weeks off to most people may seem like plenty of rest; however, to a professional athlete it is extremely short. NBA players are accustomed to four or five months off following the conclusion of their season. This time off is important for many reasons.

Many players use the time to build on their skills. More importantly, this time off allows players to get their bodies right for the grind of the upcoming season.

The Lakers’ offseason felt like a blur. Players and front office members were forced to put their championship victory in the rear-view mirror much quicker than they’d like.

Following a one-week transaction and free agency period, the Los Angeles Lakers are now preparing to report for training camp. The new additions to the Lakers may not even have a place to live in Los Angeles yet!

It will be interesting to see how the Los Angeles Lakers and coach Frank Vogel balance the minutes in the upcoming preseason.

Following another deep playoff run for star LeBron James, one would imagine that the nearly 36-year-old would see limited minutes. However, with many new players on the roster, can the Lakers afford to keep him off of the floor? Players will need time to gel and learn each other’s tendencies.

Lakers fans should not panic should the team come out slow in the preseason. Don’t expect guys on the court to give their full effort, as many players will try to preserve as much energy for the start of the season as possible.

This could lead to less ball-movement, deeper rotations, and lackadaisical defense. The number one goal for the Los Angeles Lakers in their four preseason games should be to get through it without injuries.

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