Damian Lillard will make his first appearance for the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. He was traded to the Bucks two weeks ago and will give them a shot in the arm.
Milwaukee was tipped by some to make the NBA Finals last season. Instead, he lost to the lowly Miami Heat in five games in the first round of the playoffs and should be extremely motivated this season.
The Lakers will be shorthanded against the Bucks with LeBron James, Austin Reeves, Gabe Vincent, Jared Vanderbilt and Jalen Hood Kiffino will both be absent.
Daven Ham says LeBron James, Austin Reeves, Gabe Vincent, Jared Vanderbilt and Jalen Hood Schifino will all play in MIL today .
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 15, 2023
While James and Reeves are simply resting, Vincent has back tightness and will miss his second straight game. Vanderbilt continues to deal with a heel issue, while Hood Schifino eases a knee issue.
Meanwhile, the Bucks’ Khris Middleton will not play.
The Lakers’ sixth and final preseason game will be against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday before they prepare for their season opener against the defending world champion Denver Nuggets on Oct. 24 in the Mile High City.
Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire