LA Lakers coach JJ Redick mocked the oldest player in the league, LeBron James after the team decided to rest the 39-year-old in Thursday’s preseason against the Phoenix Suns. Redick stole one of Gregg Popovich’s popular jokes while telling reporters why the Lakers are resting their star player.

“DNP, old,” Redick joked. “Taking a page out of Pop’s book.” (h/t ESPN’s Dave McMenamin).

Popovich had a history of joking about his older players like this, most recently for the legendary Tim Duncan in 2012. He officially submitted an injury absence list, saying “DNP-old” for the star forward after he was rested during a regular season game.

LeBron James has played in three consecutive preseason games for the Lakers. They have the second game of a back-to-back on Friday against the Golden State Warriors, which may have influenced the decision to rest the four-time MVP.

He’s also coming off a grueling summer with Team USA, where he led the Americans to a gold medal win in the Paris Olympics. That happened after he logged in 71 regular season and five postseason games in 2023-24.

Entering year 22, the Lakers are expected to figure a way around balancing James’ workload, who turns 40 on Dec. 30.

The LA Lakers might not escape Phoenix with a win after the team ruled out LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, leaving the shorthanded frontcourt even more depleted. The Lakers are already without Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood, who are recovering from offseason surgeries for their injuries.

Hachimura is also on the injury report for a calf tightness issue. However, it wasn’t a significant injury and only a precaution. The Lakers enter this game with a small lineup as Max Christie and Cam Reddish will start for the absent James and Hachimura.

The onus will be on Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell offensively to ensure the Lakers stay afloat and have a healthy shot at winning only their second preseason contest. LA is 1-3 thus far.