In Pics: LeBron James and Rui Hachimura appear in high spirits in LA Lakers' latest "basketball coming soon" postÂ
As the 2024-25 NBA season fast approaches, the LA Lakers continue hyping their fans. Their latest social media post features superstar forward LeBron James and his teammate Rui Hachimura appearing in high spirits at practice.
James is set to enter his 22nd campaign, which will tie NBA legend Vince Carter for the most all time. This upcoming season will also mark his seventh with LA since joining the franchise in 2018.
Meanwhile, Hachimura is gearing up for his sixth campaign and second full one with the Lakers after being acquired midway through the 2022-23 season.
If LA's latest X/Twitter activity is any indication, both forwards appear eager to get back to work. On Wednesday, the organization posted photos of James and Hachimura smiling and laughing in practice gear.
"Lakers basketball coming soon," the team captioned the post.
The tweet comes after the team shared pictures of James hitting the gym for a workout two days earlier.
The 20-time All-Star's apparent focus ahead of Year 22 has the Lakers' fanbase excited to watch the next installment of his illustrious career.
"This will be the greatest 22nd season in sports history," @BronMuse said.
"22 years in, and still training like he has something to prove, truly a privilege to watch," @BronGotGame wrote.
"LEBRON'S AURA, OMG," @_zaiire_ said.
LA had a relatively under-the-radar offseason, not making any major free agency or trade acquisitions. Its most noteworthy moves were drafting rookies Bronny James and Dalton Knecht, and signing backup center Christian Koloko to a two-way contract.
Thus, the Lakers are seemingly banking on internal development and first-time coach JJ Redick's new and potentially innovative coaching philosophy for improvement. Nevertheless, the veteran-heavy squad, headlined by James and his co-star Anthony Davis, appears primed for another playoff push.
Last season, LA finished seventh (47-35) in the Western Conference, suffering a hard-fought five-game first-round playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets.
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When will LeBron James and Lakers kick off 2024-25 NBA season?
LeBron James and Co. begin training camp on Oct. 1. Three days later, they will kick off their six-game preseason schedule with a home matchup against last season's West finalists, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A few weeks later, LA and Minnesota will rematch in their Oct. 22 regular-season opener at Crypto.com Arena. Last season, the Timberwolves won their season series 3-1, so the Purple and Gold will likely face a tough challenge right out of the gates.
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