Overview

• Luka Dončić will miss the Lakers’ first two preseason games as the team manages his workload after a busy EuroBasket summer, with Redick expecting him to play later in the preseason.
• LeBron James is being held out with nerve irritation in his glute in a cautious approach for his 23rd season, and he did not play in the opener or Sunday’s game at Golden State.
• Los Angeles dropped its preseason opener to the Suns 103–81 with several regulars out, including Dončić, LeBron, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber and rookie Adou Thiero.
• Bronny James shot 1-for-12 in 24 minutes in the opener and said he lacked his legs, while Redick noted progress in his comfort and reads despite the poor shooting night.
• Former No. 1 pick Kwame Brown criticized Bronny’s opportunity following the loss, underscoring heightened outside scrutiny as the coaching staff stresses development and conditioning.