Why is LeBron James not playing tonight against Golden State Warriors? Latest on reports of 4-time MVP's absence (Oct. 18)

LeBron James will not play on Friday night against the Golden State Warriors. The LA Lakers star has reportedly decided to rest for the preseason finale as he awaits the opening night tipoff against the Minnesota Timberwolves, starting his 22nd regular season.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported the plan for James after he was also rested for Thursday's game against the Phoenix Suns.

"James was held out of the Lakers' game Thursday against the Phoenix Suns, and a source familiar with James' plans confirmed to ESPN that the forward will not play in L.A.'s preseason finale Friday against the Golden State Warriors," McMenamin reported.

James played three consecutive preseason games for the Lakers after sitting out the opener against Minnesota. He averaged 12 points on 46.9% shooting (57.1% from 3), 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.0 turnovers in 18.5 minutes.

He looked solid in his first game against the Suns on Oct. 6, tallying 19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks on 8 of 12 shots, including 2 of 3 from 3-point range.

However, James looked off-color in the following games against the Bucks and Warriors. His efficiency dropped after he scored 11 points on 4 of 11 shooting against Milwaukee on Oct. 10, and against the Warriors on Tuesday, he managed only 6 points on 3 of 9 shooting.

LeBron James didn't look as engaged, appearing exhausted after a busy summer saw him play for Team USA, too. It was why he was probably rested on Thursday and will be out on Friday as well.

JJ Redick doesn't get his much-needed dress rehearsal without LeBron James

JJ Redick's yet to see what his regular season rotation could look like before opening night. With LeBron James out, the Lakers will continue running an irregular substitution pattern, including their bench, two-way players and other reserves.

Rui Hachimura was also absent from Thursday's game with a minor calf issue, while Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent and Max Christie were on a minute restriction. Anthony Davis could be unlikely to play against the Warriors after logging 35 minutes against the Suns on the front end of this back-to-back.

The Lakers' plans for the season remain under wraps for now before they take on the Timberwolves in Wednesday's opening night.

The upside to this is that JJ Redick will have his star player, LeBron James, well-rested before the main event. Entering year 22, that's more important for James than ever.