Overview

• The Lakers face the Suns on Friday, Oct. 3, at 10:00 p.m. ET at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California.
• The matchup airs nationally on TNT, with local coverage on Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum SportsNet+.
• Head coach JJ Redick confirmed LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber and rookie Adou Thiero will not play due to return-to-play protocols.
• James is dealing with nerve irritation in his glute and the team is taking an overly cautious approach as he enters his 23rd season at age 40.
• L.A.’s preseason continues Sunday against the Warriors, with the exhibition schedule running through Oct. 17 before the regular season begins Oct. 21.