At age 39, LeBron James needs to conserve his energy throughout the long NBA season to give himself the best chance of continuing to play at a high level. That may mean, in the minds of some, occasionally sitting out a game in order to get some rest.

The Los Angeles Lakers were battling against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, going back and forth in a prime-time matchup that ended in a 128-122 overtime victory for L.A. While both teams have some of the biggest stars in the league,

James did not suit up for the Lakers' preseason matchup with the Phoenix Suns Thursday night. Lakers coach JJ Redick said his star was sitting out for rest. Or as he put it, "DNP — old. Taking it out of Pop's book."