Los Angeles Lakers To Be Without Key Players For Preseason Game Against the Phoenix Suns
Just when you thought the Lakers were ready to show off their shiny new toys, they decided to wrap them in bubble wrap instead. That’s right, folks – Luka Doncic and LeBron James won’t be gracing us with their presence for the first two preseason games, leaving fans staring at their expensive tickets, wondering if they accidentally bought seats to a G League showcase.
The King’s Glute Blues Have Lakers Playing It Safe
Let’s start with the obvious elephant in the room – or should I say, the 39-year-old elephant with a cranky glute. LeBron James, the man who’s defied “Father Time” longer than a vampire at a tanning salon, is dealing with some “nerve irritation” in his posterior region. Head Coach JJ Redick, probably sweating bullets, made the call to keep the King on the bench for their Friday night tilt against Phoenix.
Look, nobody wants to see James hobbling around like he just got off a 12-hour flight in economy. The Lakers are treating their franchise cornerstone like a vintage wine – handle with care, store in perfect conditions, and for the love of all that’s holy, don’t let him get shaken up before the real party starts.
Doncic’s European Vacation Hangover Hits Different
Then there’s Luka Doncic, the Slovenian sensation who apparently spent his summer actually playing basketball instead of posting workout videos on Instagram like every other NBA star. Shocking, I know. The 26-year-old wizard spent significant time representing Slovenia at EuroBasket, which means he’s probably logged more meaningful minutes than half the Lakers roster combined.
The Lakers’ performance team, clearly channeling their inner helicopter parents, decided that Doncic needs some R&R after his European adventure. It is like telling your kid they can’t have dessert because they already had ice cream at their friend’s house – responsible, but guaranteed to leave everyone disappointed.
Lakers Join the Preseason Sitting Epidemic
This isn’t just a Lakers problem, though. It’s become as common as overpriced arena nachos – stars taking a seat during the preseason like they’re watching Netflix on their couch. Joel Embiid and Paul George are already making the Sixers look like they’re playing with half a deck, while OG Anunoby ghosted the Knicks faster than a bad Tinder date.
The Rest Of the Squad Gets Their Moment
With the marquee names parked on the pine, guys like Marcus Smart (Achilles issues), Maxi Kleber (quad problems), and rookie Adou Thiero (knee swelling) are also getting the night off. At this point, the Lakers might as well start selling tickets to their practice squad scrimmages.
But here’s the silver lining – this gives the supporting cast a chance to shine brighter than a freshly waxed Lakers logo at center court. Players fighting for roster spots and rotation minutes get to show what they’ve got without worrying about getting their shots blocked by a certain Slovenian magician or overshadowed by basketball royalty.
The Long Game Makes Sense (Even If It Hurts)
Look, as much as it pains me to admit it, the Lakers are probably making the right call here. Nobody remembers preseason heroics when you’re nursing injuries in March. The franchise has seen what happens when you rush stars back too quickly – just ask any Clippers fan about their playoff experiences with banged-up superstars.
The Lakers are betting that having Doncic and James at full strength for 82 games (plus hopefully more) is worth disappointing some fans who drove to Palm Desert expecting fireworks. Smart money says they are right, even if it makes for some awkward explanations at the ticket window. So grab your popcorn and lower your expectations, Lakers faithful. The real show starts soon enough.
