The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up their preseason with a closely contested 117-116 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, serving as a crucial “dress rehearsal” ahead of their regular-season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. This game provided a glimpse into the team’s expected starting lineup, particularly with star player LeBron James out due to sciatica.
In their matchup against the Kings, the Lakers fielded a starting five of Luka Doncic, Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton. This marked the first time the team showcased what is likely to be their full, healthy rotation as they prepare for the season. Rookie forward Adou Thiero will also miss the start of the season while recovering from left knee swelling, and there is no update yet on second-year guard Bronny James, who suffered an ankle sprain earlier this week.
Head Coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of familiarizing the team with their game-day routines, including shootarounds and film sessions, which help solidify their collective performance. “It doesn’t really matter who we play, it’s just us, right? We’re working on us,” Redick stated, highlighting the focus on team development.
Doncic led the Lakers with an impressive 31 points, complementing his scoring with nine assists and five rebounds. His performance demonstrated his readiness for the upcoming season, shooting 50% from the field and sinking six of 11 three-point attempts. Hachimura added 18 points, showcasing his shooting accuracy with four three-pointers, while Ayton contributed with 12 points and nine rebounds. Marcus Smart also made a mark off the bench, scoring 14 points along with four steals.
While Doncic, Reaves, and Ayton appeared to secure their spots in the starting rotation, the inclusion of Gabe Vincent was a standout decision, particularly with James unavailable. Vincent had an impressive preseason, averaging 17 points with 50% shooting from beyond the arc over his three games, including a strong opening performance against the Dallas Mavericks. Redick praised Vincent’s professionalism and growing leadership, noting how his steady presence can positively influence the team’s culture.
Additionally, Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber returned from injury, with Kleber making his long-anticipated preseason debut after suffering a quadriceps issue. Kleber expressed frustration about his recovery but remains committed to regaining his game shape and contributing to the team.
As the Lakers gear up for the regular season, the combination of veteran presence and emerging talents presents a hopeful outlook for the team. Fans are eager to see how this roster performs as they look to build on their preseason experiences and capitalize on their strengths in the upcoming campaign.