The Los Angeles Lakers will be close to full strength for their game against the Sacramento Kings, but five players remain out due to injuries. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the team will be without several key players as they ramp up for opening night.
“The Lakers will have everyone available tonight against Sacramento, minus the guys who have already been on the injury list,” McMenamin reported. “LeBron James (sciatica), Adou Thiero (knee), Bronny James (ankle), Chris Manon (ankle), Augustus Marciulionis (foot).”
Tonight marks the preseason finale for the Lakers, serving as their last chance to shake off the rust before the real games begin. While the core players are the same from last season, this period allows the Lakers’ newcomers to find their fit early and grow accustomed to JJ Redick’s system. While most players will be available tonight, there are a few key omissions worth noting, such as Adou Thiero and Chris Manon.
The most important absence tonight will be LeBron James. Electing to take a cautious and patient approach with his health, LeBron James decided not to participate in the preseason this year, and this game is no exception. At 40 years old, entering his 23rd season, he needed more time to prepare his body and mind for the grueling work ahead. That’s not to mention his ongoing sciatica injury, which has ruled him out for the next three to four weeks.
Bronny James will also be missing in action tonight as he continues his recovery from an ankle sprain. The setback occurred in the loss to Phoenix on Tuesday, where Bronny dropped seven points, four rebounds, and two assists on 37.5% shooting. He was showing signs of growth and improvement, but we’ll have to wait until next week (at the earliest) to find out what his place in the rotation will be.
Between these early injuries and a 1-4 record, it’s been a rough preseason so far for the Purple and Gold. While they remain optimistic about their chances this season, the early signs suggest that this season will not be smooth sailing. For the first time in his career, LeBron’s availability from game to game is uncertain, and they must rely on Luka Doncic to lead the way for them.
Initially, with a short-handed squad, the next few weeks could prove to be challenging for the Lakers, but it will tell us a lot about their potential for success. If they can hold it down and get off to a strong start, it’ll show that they are ready to take that next step. But if they struggle too much without No. 23, it could force JJ Redick and the entire coaching staff to reevaluate their game plan.
For now, all the Lakers can do is wait. More than anything, they need good health and consistency from their stars to make a run this season, and that means LeBron and his son must do everything they can to avoid any more setbacks.
Ultimately, health remains the biggest obstacle between the Lakers and a deep playoff run. With LeBron and Bronny both sidelined, the team will lean heavily on Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton to carry the load early. The key for Los Angeles will be surviving this stretch without losing rhythm or confidence before their stars return.
