PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) — Bronny James is expected to play in his first NBA preseason game Friday night the Lakers host Minnesota in the first of Los Angeles’ two weekend games in the Coachella Valley.

LeBron James isn’t expected to play with his eldest son against the Timberwolves, but the 39-year-old superstar will likely play against Phoenix on Sunday – which happens to be Bronny’s 20th birthday.

The Lakers did not make a pregame announcement, but ESPN reported that LeBron will not play against Minnesota as he ventures back into competition after a busy summer. LeBron and Anthony Davis were both part of the U.S. team that won a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said Thursday both LeBron James and Davis will play at least one game this weekend.

Bronny James was the Lakers’ second-round draft pick and he played for the team in the summer league in Las Vegas. The 6-foot-1 guard is expected to play for the Lakers in the preseason before spending a significant portion of next season with the South Bay Lakers of the G League.

“Obviously there are nerves,” Bronny said after the Lakers’ pregame shooting. “But I’m just excited to get out there and learn from the people who play for me, and if I get a chance to show what I can do, I will.”

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