The Los Angeles Lakers have lost two preseason games against the Denver Nuggets in the midst of the LeBron James era, but the team has already started to show semblance of their identity — a run-and-gun squad that will test opponents' fitness and willingness to get back on defense.

“You see those young legs out there,” LeBron James told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports. “We would be stupid not to utilize that as a strength. That’s just good coaching.”

Recent history has shown that James is running less and less as he ages, becoming more of a steady half court orchestrator than a rampant bull in fast break situations. Yet his vision and pinpoint passes can help this young team get out there on the break, acting as the play starter instead of the one throwing down monster dunks in transition, as he did early in his career.

James recently gave Brandon Ingram some praise taller than his 6-foot-9 frame, saying “he's got the juice” and confident that he will be a special talent in this league. This after Ingram only scored four points and nearly fouled out in 19 minutes of play.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
image thumbnail
NBA rumors: Brian Windhorst drops truth bomb on dead Giannis Antetokounmpo trade marketErik Slater ¡
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Giannis Antetokounmpo seemingly confirms return to BucksScotty White ¡
Apr 18, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
1 major reason Jason Kidd ‘appeals’ to the KnicksZachary Draves ·
Chicago Bulls forward Lonzo Ball (2) hits a three point shot against Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during overtime at the United Center.
Bulls Lonzo Ball grabs attention after ‘Tweaker’ BET Awards performance with LiAngeloGuillermo Guajardo ·
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) dribbles the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the first half during game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
5 biggest fixes Indiana Pacers must make after NBA Finals Game 2 loss to ThunderRohan Brahmbhatt ¡
Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 "Triple White", Kobe Bryant, Nike Air Force 1
Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 ‘Triple White’ release detailsDominik Zawartko ·

Ingram will be one of those young guns racing up the court in fast break situations and often controlling the action as the ball-handler, but James clarified his intent when it comes to tempo.

“…Playing fast doesn’t mean shooting the first available shot,” said James. “We want to speed up the tempo to get a great shot and be under control. That will all come. That’s what the preseason is for.”

The Lakers have yet to grab their first win of the preseason, but will have four more shots to do so. The first will come on Thursday night against the Sacramento Kings before taking on the L.A. Clippers on Saturday and twice against the defending champion Golden State Warriors next week.