Lakers guard Austin Reaves made his preseason debut during Thursday’s matchup against the Kings at Crypto.com Arena. Reaves did not participate in the Lakers’ first two preseason games earlier in the week due to an ankle injury sustained in practice. He was in the starting lineup alongside Luka Doncic, Quentin Grimes, Adou Thiero, and Kevon Looney.
Several players were unavailable for the game against the Kings, including Walker Kessler, Ziaire Williams, Collin Sexton, Dalton Knecht, Cameron Carr, and two-way forward Arthur Kaluma. Coach JJ Redick noted that Williams was experiencing soreness, but it was not a concern for the team. Kessler, who was acquired from the Jazz in a four-year, $130 million sign-and-trade, has not played in the preseason due to a jammed finger sustained during practice. Redick indicated that the team will examine Kessler’s finger on Friday but added that the injury is not concerning and that Kessler is expected to play during the preseason. The Lakers have two more preseason games scheduled: Tuesday against the Warriors in Las Vegas and October 16 against the Nuggets in Los Angeles.