The Los Angeles Lakers‘ first preseason game of the 2025-26 schedule will take place on Friday evening against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena in the Inland Empire. It will be the first chance to take a look at a team that has changed dramatically over the last 10 months or so.
In late December, the Lakers traded for 3-and-D forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who has since departed. Finney-Smith helped change the complexion of the team, and of course, Luka Doncic’s arrival in February changed it even more. Now, L.A. is looking to incorporate newcomers such as center Deandre Ayton, guard Marcus Smart and forward Jake LaRavia.
Smart, LeBron James, Maxi Kleber and rookie Adou Thiero will reportedly not play on Friday.
Redick said these players are out for sure tomorrow in the preseason opener due to varying return-to-play protocols: LeBron, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 2, 2025
James didn’t take part in practice on Tuesday due to nerve irritation in his glute, and his camp reportedly wants the Lakers to be “overly cautious” with him. He will turn 41 years of age in December.
Kleber hurt his quad on Tuesday and had to sit out practice on Wednesday as a result. Smart is dealing with Achilles tendinopathy, and Thiero still hasn’t been cleared to play after a knee injury he suffered several months ago.
The Lakers’ second preseason game will take place on Sunday versus the Golden State Warriors. After that, they will not have another game until the following Sunday, Oct. 12.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Four Lakers will miss preseason opener on Friday
