The Los Angeles Lakers have just one preseason game left before games really start counting, starting on October 24 against the Denver Nuggets. The Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Phoenix Suns in Palm Springs on Thursday night in their final preseason game of the year.
The preseason is extremely exciting for Lakers fans, who haven’t been able to watch their favorite team play in five months. Despite the team’s poor record, these preseason games have brought positive signs that the Lakers are preparing to become a true NBA championship contender.
Leading the way is LeBron James, who has played in just two of the team’s five preseason games so far. Palm Springs fans were definitely wondering about James’ status and were pleased with the outcome.
Will LeBron James play against the Suns tonight?
All signs point to LeBron James taking the court Thursday night. While James has been cautious about his playing time in the preseason, he has not suffered any injuries and will be fully healthy entering the 2023-24 season.
Davon Hamm said earlier this week that he would be in the team’s regular rotation for three-quarters of the game. LeBron is clearly part of this “regular rotation,” which suggests he’ll be playing.
Not only will LeBron be in the game, Palm Springs fans will be seeing him on the court more than any other preseason game. Prior to Thursday, LeBron had played only half of his first two preseason games.
Latest injury report for Lakers vs. Suns:
Jared Vanderbilt has been dealing with a heel injury and will not play for the Lakers on Thursday as he is scheduled to be reevaluated on Friday. Vanderbilt’s injury could open the door for Taurean Prince to become Davon Ham’s fifth starter.
Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino are both unavailable Thursday. Vincent has been dealing with a minor back injury and practiced Wednesday.
Latest injury report for Suns vs. Lakers:
Sharpshooter Damion Lee underwent knee surgery and will be out indefinitely. Lee was injured before the start of preseason, so he hasn’t played at all this season.
Ish Wainwright and Eric Gordon are day-to-day as they both participated in limited practice with the Suns on Tuesday. Their status for Thursday night remains up in the air. Neither Yuta Watanabe nor Jusuf Nurkic played on Monday, but that was to rest, so they should be ready to go on Thursday.