LeBron James is helping the Lakers in film study while he’s sidelined with sciatica, Redick says

EL SEGUNDO Calif AP Although LeBron James wasn t able to play in the Los Angeles Lakers season opener he s making sure they learn from their loss to Golden State Coach JJ Redick explained James was really helpful during a film session Wednesday as the Lakers examined their performance in the - defeat James won t be ready to begin his unprecedented rd NBA season for at least a limited weeks due to sciatica but he is taking a strong interest in the club s off-court work in an effort to ensure the Lakers get off to a decent start without him Redick declared I advised them him asking questions him giving his input us having a back-and-forth is so healthy Redick commented I would like to have dialogue and back-and-forth and questions every single time we do film and teach You ve got a question Speak up If you want to make a point speak up It was good James watched the challenge on the Lakers bench in a suit sitting slightly above his teammates in a high padded seat that Draymond Green jokingly called his Phil Jackson chair James didn t express much emotion while the Lakers fell behind by points in the third quarter and eventually mounted a rally that fell short but he was watching James didn t participate in training camp or the preseason while managing the nerve trouble that hit him before the start of camp The Lakers haven t put a definite timetable on James absence but he is hoping to get back in November After committing turnovers and giving up far too a great number of open -point attempts by the smallish Warriors Los Angeles clearly has plenty of work to do Minnesota which eliminated the Lakers from the first round of the playoffs last spring visits the Lakers downtown arena Friday night But the Lakers got a -point performance from Luka Doncic who indicated off his improved fitness and focus while racking up rebounds and nine assists in a standout effort Doncic needed extra medication after the championship on an apparent groin strain but the Lakers are optimistic that Doncic was right when he stated the injury is likely nothing He seems to be fine Redick stated of Doncic I don t think it s anything major He got various recovery this morning and we didn t practice long but he was a participant in practice AP NBA https apnews com NBA Source