After missing the team’s first three preseason games, Walker Kessler will finally make his preseason debut for the Lakers against the Warriors on Tuesday. Kessler had been out with a jammed finger suffered during training camp.
However, LA will not have the full Big 3 available as Luka Dončić, Collin Sexton, Adou Thiero, Ziaire Williams and Cameron Carr are all out.
Before ringing any alarm bells, Luka is not injured as Redick noted he was just getting the night off. Everyone else, though, is considered day-to-day.
On the topic of alarm bells, we’re probably inching closer to ringing them for Sexton. From the very start of training camp, Sexton has been a modified participant. While Redick has repeatedly said none of the injuries this preseason were cause for concern once the season started, Sexton still hasn’t seen the court and the real games start in eight days.
Sexton has one more chance to play this preseason on Friday. If he can’t go in that contest, then it’s a distinct possibility that he won’t play in the opener.
The only other player of concern is Williams, who played in the team’s first preseason game and hasn’t suited up since. He has a foot contusion from taking a hit, which doesn’t sound serious. But, given the Lakers’ history of detailing injuries, it’s probably not best to take their word for it.
Carr missed the most recent game against the Kings, making this two straight games out. Adou Thiero, meanwhile, has miraculously avoided injury after some nasty landings following dunks this season, so giving him a night off will help everyone stay calm.
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