NBA: LeBron James Impressed By Lakers Trio After 2 Days Of Practice

The Los Angeles Lakers began training camp on Saturday holding two practice sessions and then one on Sunday as they begin preparing for an important 2019-20 campaign. The Lakers have many new additions going into the new season and while their final objective is to win the championship; the first mission is to make the playoffs, which has not happened in six years.

LeBron James is leading the way in practice and the three-time champion has been joined by Anthony Davis, whose arrival has elevated expectations going into the new season. The duo is already impressing onlookers during practice games and Lakers head coach Frank Vogel admitted that they will play on the same team during practice games to build familiarity.

James is keen on getting the team functioning as a unit sooner rather than later which saw the 15-time NBA All-Star organize a pre-training camp workout to get to know his new teammates. James has also been impressed with a number of the new recruits and picked out three players that have impressed him thus far – and surprisingly Davis is not on the list.

"I thought Dwight and JaVale have been very good, if not great since practice started. I love what they’re able to do ... and Avery (Bradley) continues to stand out obviously, just with his defensive tenacity,” James said, according to Lakers reporter Mike Trudell.

Dwight Howard was brought in as a replacement for DeMarcus Cousins after the center suffered an ACL injury during a pickup game in the offseason. The veteran center is expected to serve as backup for JaVale McGee, who was re-signed during the offseason after impressing in his debut campaign last season.

Meanwhile, Vogel has confirmed that the veterans on the team will be managed in terms of time on the practice court and in pre-season. James took part in both sessions on Saturday and most of Sunday practice but was given the morning off on Monday.

“Common sense,” Vogel said when asked about James being given time off, as quoted on Los Angeles Times. “It’s just gonna be day to day. it’s not a long, laid out plan.”

“You just continue to meet with the medical team. Sometimes I’ll go to the medical team and say, ‘Hey, you know what? it’s day three. We’ve had three practices in the last two days. It’s gonna be a lot for these guys, with sore muscles. Let’s be smart.’ ”