PALM DESERT (AP) — Bronny James played in his first NBA preseason game Friday night, but LeBron James was not in his uniform as the Lakers hosted Minnesota in the first of two weekend games from Los Angeles to the Coachella Valley.

Lakers coach JJ Redick decided to hold off on LeBron James against the Timberwolves after three tough days in training camp, but the 39-year-old leading scorer in NBA history will likely play on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns – who happen to be Bronny's 20th. Birthday.

Bronny James finished with two points in the Lakers' 124-107 loss to the Timberwolves, missing his first five shots before making a layup with 56.9 seconds left in the game. But the 6-foot-10 guard also blocked three shots and picked up a rebound and an assist while playing the first half of the second quarter, most of the fourth quarter and ending 16 minutes at Acrisure Arena outside Palm Springs played.

Redick said Bronny earned playing time in the Lakers' season opener with three strong performances in practice this week.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed the first of the Lakers' six preseason games as they slowly ease back into contention after a busy summer. The two played alongside Suns stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker at the Paris Olympics and won a gold medal for Team USA.

Redick said Thursday that both James and Davis will play in at least one game this weekend.

LeBron appeared to keep an attentive distance from Bronny during the game so his eldest son could concentrate on his work. But LeBron spoke to Bronny at length during a timeout midway through the second quarter, explaining something with hand gestures as Bronny nodded.

Bronny James was the Lakers' second-round draft pick and played in the Summer League in Las Vegas. He is expected to play for the Lakers in the preseason before spending much of the upcoming regular season with the G League's South Bay Lakers.

Phoenix's season opener begins at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN 620 AM and the Arizona Sports App.

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