Overview

• JJ Redick ruled LeBron James out with nerve irritation in his glute, along with Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber and rookie Adou Thiero for the preseason opener.
• The Suns will sit Jalen Green due to a low‑grade hamstring strain, and Mark Williams has not yet returned to live 5‑on‑5 as Phoenix manages his ramp‑up.
• Coaches signaled limited minutes and evaluation-focused lineups, prioritizing readiness for the Oct. 22 regular-season start.
• Los Angeles will use the game to begin integrating newcomers such as Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia into its rotation plans.
• Tipoff is Friday, Oct. 3, at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert at 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET), with local coverage on Spectrum SportsNet/Spectrum SportsNet+ and national TV listings scheduled.