The Lakers are in Palm Springs to host a preseason game at the brand new Acrisure Arena against the visiting Phoenix Suns.
Vanderbilt is the only Laker that’s already been ruled out of Thursday’s contest, as he continues to deal with a sore left heel. He’ll be re-evaluated on Friday, and a decision will be made over the weekend as to his availability for the season opener.
Vincent missed the last two games with lower back soreness and has been listed as “day-to-day.” His status for Thursday has yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, No. 17 overall pick Jalen Hood-Schifino, missed one game due to a right knee contusion.
LeBron said from the start of camp that he’d likely play in half of the six games, and that will be the case as he’s primed to start against the Suns.
Reaves, fresh off big minutes for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup has been on a similar plan and is ready to roll.
Coach Darvin Ham has been targeting at least one legitimate run through for his players ahead of Tuesday’s regular season opener with a mix of managing minutes and building cohesion on his mind prior to the final preseason game.
If neither Vanderbilt nor Vincent play, we could see the same starting five that opened in Las Vegas against Brooklyn: Russell, Reaves, Prince, James and Davis.
That leaves four likely rotation players to mix in: Hachimura, Christie, Hayes and Wood, and could allow for an opportunity for Cam Reddish as well.
Much has been made of Darvin Ham’s comments about wanting Davis to attempt six triples per game, but frankly, it’s not about the number. He just wants Davis to know he has the green light
I want him to be aggressive from all three levels,he said after the Tuesday practice.
I don’t want him to second guess a shot.
Anthony Davis, easily the best defensive player in the NBA last postseason, has excelled on offense this preseason, shooting 54.5% overall, 50% on 3’s and 88.9% from the foul line.
His per 36 minutes stats: 30.2 points, 13.2 boards, 5.3 assists, 2.6 blocks and 1.6 steals, for a +13.2 plus/minus.
Davis has been one of many beneficiaries of LAL going to more 5-out sets, as opposed to the 4-out and 1-in sets that permeated much of the 2022-23 season.
Just gives us a little more space,said Reaves.
With AD shooting it how he’s shooting it. If he does that, he’s basically unguardable.
The Lakers do play Phoenix in a real game in one week, the home opener at Crypto.com Arena, and former LAL head coach Frank Vogel will surely have his group ready to go which provides a bit of an interesting background to this Thursday’s preseason game, as both teams will want to sharpen up.
The defending NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers are set to play their third preseason game against the Phoenix Suns. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel talked about which of his players will be missing and the process of preparing for the new season.
The only guy injury wise that will be out for tomorrow’s game, or I should say doubtful is Caruso. Caruso is still doubtful, he still has soreness in his right hip flexor,
Vogel said.
I do plan on playing AD and LeBron. Some first half minutes just kind of get their feet wet. We meet with the medical
Vogel said.
I do plan on playing AD and LeBron. Some first half minutes just kind of get their feet wet. We meet with the medical staff; they have a sort of a buildup plan what is best. The coaching staff meets and feels out how much work they need to get integrated with new teammates and whatnot.
And feedback from the players themselves. How do you feel like? You want to manage these four preseason games to allow yourself to be ready for opening night. You factor in all those conversations and opinions, and you land in a spot that’s comfortable for everyone.
Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel expects his big three to play in Monday”s preseason home action against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Phoenix Suns fans were hopeful to see the likes of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on their home court in the team”s preseason home opener against the Denver Nuggets. However, none suited up for Phoenix.
We’re going to make these decisions on a game-by-game basis, but I always felt that we’re not going to play them all five preseason games. We’re going to pace them throughout the preseason and this one, coming off of the east coast trip, three-hour time zone change, afternoon game, sleep is a little bit compromised right now.
said Suns coach Frank Vogel prior to the game.
I just wanted them to have a few days to get recovered from that trip before throwing them right back out there.
Two days in a row, they’re gonna get to see Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker play hoops,
Vogel said, referring to the team”s open practice on Sunday as the first of two days.
So far, the star trio has only played one game together, which came in the opener against the Detroit Pistons last Sunday.
In Sunday”s win over the Pistons: Durant logged 12 points on 4-7 shooting. He grabbed three rebounds and added one assist. Beal played 14 minutes and notched 11 points on 3-5 shooting, making his only three-point attempt. Booker tied Durant for most points among starters with 12 on 5-9 shooting in 15 minutes of action.
The regular season begins on Oct. 24, before that, the Suns have one preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers left on their schedule.