LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero to Miss Lakers’ First Preseason Game Against Suns
lakers-preseason-injuries-james-smart-kleber-thiero
The Los Angeles Lakers will open their preseason schedule on Friday in Palm Springs without four rotation players, head coach JJ Redick confirmed Thursday.
LeBron James (glute), Marcus Smart (Achilles tendinopathy), Maxi Kleber (quad) and rookie Adou Thiero (knee) have all been ruled out of the matchup with the Phoenix Suns. Redick said each injury is considered minor, and the organization is prioritizing caution with the regular season still weeks away.
James, entering his 21st NBA campaign, is on a carefully managed ramp-up plan. Smart is expected to resume full practice participation next week, while Thiero reported during Media Day that he remains on schedule for clearance in the same timeframe. Kleber tweaked his quadriceps in practice earlier this week.
Redick did not specify playing-time targets for the rest of the roster, but suggested established contributors such as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will log limited minutes in the preseason opener.
The first exhibition will also offer a look at veteran forward Jarred Vanderbilt, whose defensive impact was hampered by injuries last season. Redick said Vanderbilt now appears to have regained the mobility and agility he displayed before those setbacks.
The Lakers and Suns tip off Friday night at Acrisure Arena, marking Los Angeles’ first on-court action under Redick’s coaching staff.
Source: Lakers Nation
