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

James did not suit up for the Lakers’ preseason game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night. Lakers coach JJ Redick said his star was resting. Or as he put it: “DNP – old. Get it from Pop’s book.”

For those who may not understand the reference, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich once pulled over 36-year-old Tim Duncan during the 2012-13 season and gave the reason why he wasn’t playing as “DNP – Old.” (But even if the reference isn’t known, can’t you easily imagine Popovich saying that?)

James will also not play in the Lakers’ season finale against the Golden State Warriors on Friday, TNT’s Jared Greenberg reports. Why subject him to back-to-back matches that don’t count?

The 39-year-old has appeared in three games this preseason, averaging 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).

By sitting out the final two games of the preseason, James will get a full week off before the Lakers’ regular season opener. That will also mark the start of James’ 22nd NBA season, making new Hall of Famer Vince Carter the most played in league history.