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LeBron James sidelined for start of Lakers training camp with ‘nerve irritation in the glute’

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LeBron James won’t be available for the start of Lakers training camp.

Head coach JJ Redick announced Tuesday that James is dealing with “nerve irritation in the glute” and will have a slow ramp-up to the regular season.

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“Nerve irritation in the glute” doesn’t come with a boilerplate prognosis. From Redick’s explanation, it doesn’t sound like a significant concern. But for a 40-year-old, 23rd-year NBA veteran with more mileage on his body than most anyone in the history of professional sports, any ailment comes with concern.

Hence, the slower ramp-up for James in training camp.

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“It’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up leading up to opening night for him,” Redick told reporters at practice on Tuesday. “In year 23, uncharted territory here.”

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Redick then acknowledged that the Lakers might not have optimally managed James’ reps last preseason.

“I felt in talking with performance and talking with [trainer Mike Mancias] and LeBron, he probably did too much last year in camp. Which was great for me as a first-year head coach to get buy-in from him.

“But it will be a slower process with him leading into the first game. He’s obviously got 22 years so far of wear and tear on his body. He’s dealing with a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute. We’re playing the long game with LeBron.”

James had a relatively healthy regular season in 2024-25 while playing in 70 of the Lakers’ 82 games. It was his second-highest game tally since playing a full 82-game season for the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018-19 season.

But his injuries were high profile. Foot and ankle soreness kept James out of the All-Star Game after he’d played in 20 straight. He suffered a sprained MCL in a Game 5 playoff loss to the Timberwolves that would have sidelined him for multiple weeks had the Lakers not been eliminated with the loss.

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The Lakers are hoping James can stay relatively healthy for a run at a title playing alongside Luka Dončić in what could be his last NBA season. Limiting wear and tear during training camp would likely be the call whether or not James was dealing with an injury.



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LeBron James (glute) sidelined to open Lakers’ training camp

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  • Dave McMenaminSep 30, 2025, 06:42 PM ET

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    • Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.
    • Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — LeBron James was sidelined to open training camp Tuesday with what Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick called “a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute.”

James, who turns 41 in December, will become the first player in league history to have played 23 seasons when the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors on opening night next month.

Redick said “the goal” was for James to be recovered in time for the Warriors game, but the coach did not rule out James participating in at least one of the Lakers’ six preseason games.

“It’s probably a little bit longer of a ramp-up leading into opening night for him,” Redick said of James. “Obviously in Year 23, it’s uncharted territory here.”

Redick said that James “probably did too much” in training camp last fall to show “buy-in” and ready himself and the team during Redick’s maiden voyage as a head coach.

“It’ll be a slower process with him leading into the first game,” Redick said. “He’s obviously got 22 years so far of wear and tear on the body and he’s dealing with a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute.

“So, we’re just playing the long game with LeBron.”

James told ESPN on Monday that “it remains to be seen” how much he planned to participate in training camp this year.

“I’m still ramping things back up,” James told ESPN. “I’m not where I want to be. But I mean, I don’t want to be where I want to be right now in September. So, I got some time and I’m looking forward to the process of getting there.”

James’ camp met with the Lakers’ brass leading up to training camp with a directive for the team to be “overly cautious” with the four-time champion in the early going to preserve him for a hopefully long playoff run, sources told ESPN.

James, who averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds for L.A. last season, came into that campaign declaring his intention to play in all 82 games. He played L.A.’s first 23 games before struggling in early December, leading to an eight-day absence when he sat out two games to address soreness in his left foot. This after James played in three out of the Lakers’ six preseason games last October.

L.A. opens up its six-game preseason slate against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert, California, on Friday.

James will not play against the Suns, sources told ESPN. But Redick said “it would be nice” to have James suit up for at least one preseason game.

“We would love to have that happen,” Redick added.

While James watched practice in street clothes Tuesday, Lakers guard Austin Reaves said he still made his presence felt.

“You know, it’s Bron, he’s always going to observe kind of communicate [what he sees],” Reaves said. “I think that’s the approach that he’s going to take right now, [which] is just being one of our vocal leaders. That’s what he’s done his whole career.”

Redick said that the Lakers also did not have Gabe Vincent (left knee management), Marcus Smart (left Achilles tendinopathy) and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee swelling) available for full participation in their opening practice. Redick added that Vincent should be available for the preseason opener against the Suns.

As for the Lakers who did fully participate to begin training camp?

“Uh, Luka [Doncic] was pretty good,” Redick said with a smile.



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5 Commanders players who are defying expectations at training camp

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It’s been an enthralling training camp for the Washington Commanders so far. Dan Quinn and his coaching staff are ramping things up with their players, and the competitive fire is growing. Padded practices turned things up considerably, which is all part of the assessment phase before some difficult decisions are due.

The Commanders have massive expectations to meet this season. They are no longer a trendy upstart pick. They are a genuine Super Bowl challenger after general manager Adam Peters made some ultra-aggressive moves throughout his second recruitment period at the helm.

This is nothing the Commanders weren’t expecting. The NFL has pushed them to the forefront with eight standalone games in 2025, five of which are on primetime. National attention is growing exponentially, which makes them a target that other teams will be looking to topple.

Looking at the mentality being displayed, the Commanders are ready to meet their upcoming challenges head-on. There is a sensational resolve in the locker room as everyone works towards one common goal. And training camp has also thrown up a few nice surprises for good measure.

With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who are defying expectations at training camp.

Commanders players who are defying expectations at training camp

Tyler Owens – Commanders S

The Washington Commanders saw something others didn’t in Tyler Owens last year. He was quickly scooped up in undrafted free agency, and the decent guarantee on his rookie contract suggested that those in power had high hopes. They were rewarded accordingly.

Owens surged to a deserved roster spot against all odds. The explosive safety got hurt early on, which dented his momentum. He did return during the campaign, but the Commanders brought him along gradually as a special-teams asset.

Washington’s decision-makers never lost faith in Owens. They are convinced he’s got the physical tools to make an impact on the defensive rotation once he becomes fully acclimatized. And looking at his improved comfort level at training camp, he’s been working extremely hard to achieve this objective.

This relentless commitment is paying off. Owens has been getting plenty of reps with the first-string defense, both as a safety and even as a nickel cornerback. The athleticism and physicality are key traits Dan Quinn looks for in his defensive backs, so it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Texas Tech product become more involved if the same trend continues.

Playing time is at a premium in the safety room. However, the versatility Owens brings to the table is something working in his favor.



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2025 Washington Commanders training camp: Latest intel, updates

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  • John KeimJul 31, 2025, 12:59 PM ET

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      John Keim covers the Washington Commanders for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2013 after a stint with the Washington Post. He started covering the team in 1994 for the Journal Newspapers and later for the Washington Examiner. He has authored/co-authored four books. You can also listen to him on ‘The John Keim Report’, which airs on ESPN Richmond radio.

Training camps have kicked off around the NFL, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The Washington Commanders’ camp is taking place in Ashburn, Virginia and Commanders reporter John Keim has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and of course the quarterback room.

What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Commanders camp. We will update this file often with the latest updates. What can Von Miller bring? What’s happening with receiver Terry McLaurin and quarterback Jayden Daniels. Who are the breakouts to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?

Let’s get into it all, and be sure to keep checking back for more information until the first full week of the preseason begins on Aug. 7.

Camp updates for all 32 teams

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Latest news from Commanders camp

Thursday, July 31

Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt — who prefers to be called Bill — will be one of the Commanders’ most intriguing players throughout the preseason. He played just one game for the University of Arizona last season before he was suspended over eligibility issues; Washington drafted him in the seventh round anyway.

It’s hard to tell much about running backs before games are played, but Croskey-Merritt has impressed coaches and teammates with his quick one-cut moves and violent running nature. He flashed again Thursday with a long run around left end.

“It’s the violence of the cuts,” Quinn said, “and that he can get his shoulders square and get downhill fast. So, I’m very excited to see once we get into some opportunities, does he get tackled? Does he not? Does he run through some? But he’s off to a really good start.”

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  • Thursday provided another reminder of the good chemistry between quarterback Jayden Daniels and tight end Zach Ertz, especially in the red zone. The first two passes in the red zone today were 10-yard scoring throws to Ertz, the first where he blocked out the safety and the second off a quick play-action throw to the right flat.

  • Owner Josh Harris and minority owner Mark Ein attended practice today, one day ahead of the D.C. Council’s vote on whether or not to approve a stadium being built at the site where they once played at RFK Stadium.

Tuesday, July 29

Washington’s defense continues to give its offense problems in training camp. A key reason: the secondary. Washington’s corners are much better in press man coverage than last year’s group, allowing the Commanders to play more of that look successfully.

That has resulted in numerous failed fade routes when the front sends pressure. The wideouts have not consistently created separation, including versus the safeties.

The offense has clearly been impacted by not having hold-in receiver Terry McLaurin, who excels on those routes. And they’re not game planning for the pressures. But it’s a sign that the defense believes it can be more aggressive this season because of improved corner play that holds up long enough to send more pressure.

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  • Rookie tackle Josh Conerly Jr. worked on both the right and left sides Tuesday morning. He played on the left side at Oregon, but with Laremy Tunsil here, Conerly’s immediate future is on the right side. He’s still rotating with veteran Andrew Wylie at right tackle.

  • Receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. provided an offensive highlight. On a slot fade he got past corner Mike Sainristil and made a lunging catch on a Jayden Daniels throw. The only caveat on the play: Daniels might have been sacked had it been a real game.

Monday, July 28

Washington signed Deebo Samuel Sr. to provide what he had in San Francisco: A versatile offensive chess piece who can break tackles and run after the catch.

The Commanders have moved him around on offense, aligning him in different areas and letting him carry it on occasion. On Monday, Samuel caught a 5-yard touchdown from Jayden Daniels on a perfect pass to the corner of the end zone — he bobbled the ball then held on.

Samuel also has been working at returning kickoffs, paired with Austin Ekeler. Coach Dan Quinn said he loves the energy Samuel brings to practice — Samuel called himself a “high-energy guy.” And he’s rejuvenated after being traded to Washington in the offseason. “I’ve got a lot left in the tank,” he said.

  • The defensive line continues to look strong. End Dorance Armstrong is off to a good start in camp — he’s been moved around more than last year and has rushed standing up on occasion.

  • The pads came out for the first time. There’s no live tackling, but one good pop occurred when running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt broke through the line and was wrapped up by safety Tyler Owens. Croskey-Merritt will be one to watch in the preseason.

Sunday, July 27

There’s a reason Washington’s offense excelled late in games last season. The Commanders work a lot on end-of-game situations — one reason they were 9-4 in one-score games. That was evident again Sunday — and it helped end the struggles of an offense that was getting stymied by the defense for two practices in a row.

In this drill, Washington’s offense started with the ball on the 40-yard line and 30 seconds left, trailing by 6. On the last play of the series, from around the 25-yard line, quarterback Jayden Daniels lofted a perfect pass to the last inches of the corner of the end zone. That’s where rookie receiver Jaylin Lane outjumped three defensive backs and tapped his feet in-bounds. It was the highlight of the day.

  • Slot corner Mike Sainristil has had a strong camp — after having a similar spring. He intercepted a pass over the middle during full-team drills — after having grabbed a tipped ball in practice Friday as well. Sainristil is not a big guy at 182 pounds but he plays bigger than his size, which has been evident when he’s faced receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.

Friday, July 25

It’s been evident early in camp how much Washington wants to move its defensive pieces around this camp, notably along the line.

The Commanders will provide a variety of looks — at times lining up pass-rushing linebackers Frankie Luvu and Jacob Martin next to each other with Von Miller on the other side. They’ve used end Dorance Armstrong inside in pass rush sets. They’ve used tackle Javon Kinlaw as an end in their three-tackle alignments.

They lack a dominant lineman but, coach Dan Quinn said, “I just like having a deep crew of guys that can be versatile and do things.”

  • Cornerback Mike Sainristil continues to have a strong camp. On the first pass Friday, he grabbed a Jayden Daniels pass initially tipped by safety Quan Martin for an interception. He’s worked often against receiver Deebo Samuel in the slot and has shown the ability to be physical.

  • Linebacker Bobby Wagner also intercepted Daniels in a later 7-on-7 drill, dropping to the middle and snagging the pass. Safety Tyler Owens picked off Marcus Mariota (two plays after the Sainristil interception).

Thursday, July 24

One reason Washington wanted to sign edge rusher Von Miller was because of the potential impact he could have on other players. And he should be a big help to linebacker Frankie Luvu, arguably Washington’s best pass rusher. Luvu said he used to study Miller’s pass-rush moves because he felt his game resembled his.

What Washington likes is that Miller is still versatile — coach Dan Quinn said he could rush from an up position or with his hand in the dirt. He can execute stunts. Luvu, too, can be freed to rush from more places other than just the edge, and that can make him a more effective blitzer.

“I just like having a deep crew of guys that can be versatile and do things,” Quinn said. “I also like the detail that he gets into as a pass rusher.”

It should also be noted: Quinn gave Miller a veteran’s day off on the second day of camp. Their goal is to keep him healthy and productive all season.

  • QB Jayden Daniels made a nice check to a run call during an 11-on-11 drill, leading to a big gain by the running back through the right side. There are no pads so it’s always hard to tell what a back would have done, but the check led to a motion, which put a linebacker in a worse spot — and led to him being blocked. And that freed running back Kazmeir Allen for a nice gain.

Wednesday, July 23

Commanders coach Dan Quinn said while most players make a big jump for Year 1 to Year 2, quarterback Jayden Daniels made that leap during the season. Quinn said Daniels improved his efficiency the more defenses he faced and that quickened his decision making.

Daniels said his key focus this offseason was improving his footwork.

“To where I could be more accurate on throws,” Daniels said.

And, indeed, he displayed them on his first pass during 11-on-11 work. He lofted a 25-yard pass to new receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., running a slot fade, for a touchdown. Defensive back Tyler Owens had good coverage, but was defeated by a perfect pass.

  • As he did in the spring, rookie Josh Conerly Jr., worked with the second offensive line behind veteran Andrew Wylie. This isn’t a surprise as Quinn will make him earn the job — just as he did last year when he did not hand the starting QB job to Daniels.

  • Linebacker Von Miller, who will wear 24 in Washington, took several pass-rushing reps vs. Conerly. He was able to drive Conerly back on one bull rush, though the rookie eventually anchored. Another time Conerly maintained outside leverage to negate a rush. Otherwise, quick passes negated any chance for pressure.





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