Overview

• Luka Dončić will miss the first two preseason games by a collaborative decision with the performance staff following his EuroBasket workload.
• LeBron James was ruled out of the opener with nerve irritation in his glute in a cautious move confirmed by coach JJ Redick.
• Los Angeles lost 103-81 to the Suns, with Austin Reaves scoring 20 points as the offense shot 31.1% overall and 6-of-35 from three with 22 turnovers.
• Redick outlined short 4–6 minute stints to emphasize conditioning and said he expects Dončić to play later in preseason with a future dress rehearsal in mind.
• Marcus Smart (Achilles tendinopathy), Maxi Kleber (quad) and Adou Thiero (knee) also sat, and the Lakers visit the Warriors on Sunday with six exhibitions before Opening Night.