LeBron James missed the Lakers' last two preseason games as “DNP – Old,” says JJ Redick

LeBron James' preseason is over. The next time he takes the court for the Los Angeles Lakers will be their regular season opener on October 22 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

James was not fit for the Lakers' preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Lakers coach JJ Redick said his star would take a break. Or as he put it: “DNP – old. Like something out of Pop’s book.”

For those who may not get the reference, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich once took issue with 36-year-old Tim Duncan during the 2012-13 season, citing the reason he didn't play as “DNP – Old “ on. (Even if the reference isn't known, isn't it easy to imagine Popovich saying that?)

James also will not play in the Lakers' preseason finale against the Golden State Warriors on Friday, TNT's Jared Greenberg reports. Why subject him to two consecutive games that don't count?

The 39-year-old appeared in three games this preseason and averaged 12 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 18.3 minutes per game. He shot 46.9% from the floor (and 57.1% from 3).

If James misses the final two games of the preseason, he will have a full week off before the Lakers' regular season opener. This will also herald James' 22nd NBA season and give new Hall of Famer Vince Carter the record for the most played season in league history.