The match begins on Spectrum SportsNet and ESPN at 7:00 p.m. PT. When Cameron Johnson and Cameron Payne left the game early due to injury, the Phoenix Suns’ starting lineup and bench were outperformed by the Los Angeles Lakers despite Anthony Davis’ late scratching.
The LA Lakers might pursue former No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins in the upcoming free agency period. The LA Lakers didn’t make any significant moves in this previous off-season. The team is anticipated to have between $30 million and $35 million in cap space for the following offseason.
Taking advantage of some good early spacing in Darvin Ham’s system, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook went a combined 9 for 12 for a total of 11 points each. The starting center for the opposition, Los Angeles Lakers, significantly outperformed the All-Star center during Rudy Gobert’s preseason debut for his new team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. LeBron was just as good in the second quarter, scoring 23 points by making three more shots, including two of his three triples, and leading the Lakers to a 69-62 lead at the half.
The rest of the Timberwolves‘ roster was available, but All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns was out due to an ailment he is still treating.
In addition to Bryant, L.A. had a few other supporting players rise when their veteran starters weren’t there. Lonnie Walker made his Lakers debut and displayed his impressive athleticism and sick handle. On 4-of-13 shooting, he contributed 10 points. In addition, he had two blocks, two steals, three assists, and five rebounds. In addition, he had two blocks, two steals, three assists, and five rebounds.
Denis Schroder is expected to board a flight from Germany to Los Angeles and report to the Lakers.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Dennis Schröder should eventually join the Lakers during the preseason after overcoming visa hurdles. Following a strong performance at the FIBA EuroBasket, Schroder agreed to a veteran’s minimum contract with Los Angeles last month.
The Lakers play on Sunday, but it’s uncertain if Schröder will return in time to participate in the game, considering that he hasn’t practiced with the club recently. Last month, Schröder participated in EuroBasket, with his final match occurring on September 18.
The Lakers’ 29-year-old Schroder averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals in 61 games for them in the 2020–21 season. He played for the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets alternately last season, averaging 13.5 points and 4.6 assists per game.
The absence of Schröder has been notable, both in terms of putting players into unfamiliar positions and in terms of what he contributes to the game. As the primary ball handler, Austin Reaves and Patrick Beverley have been in awkward situations; Schröder should fit in there perfectly.
When asked about Schroder’s absence last week, Lakers coach Darvin Ham responded, “He’s doing the best he can to stay in rhythm and to stay in condition.”
He will adjust more quickly, given his prior experience playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. And since everyone is still getting used to Ham’s offense, Schröder shouldn’t be too far behind when he joins the team in the coming days.
His addition will bring the Lakers extremely close to being at full strength after Lonnie Walker, who missed the beginning of the preseason due to injury, made his Lakers debut on Thursday against the Timberwolves.
Trudell tweets that Ham praised Walker’s defensive performance following the game. Ham agreed that Walker’s offensive repertoire is quite well-known and suggested that, when everyone is healthy, he would want to see Walker function as a supplement to the Lakers’ established offensive talents.
