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Austin Reaves to make preseason debut against Kings

Austin Reaves will finally take the court for the Los Angeles Lakers in their preseason opener against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, marking his first action since signing his new contract with the team this summer. Reaves missed the Lakers’ first two exhibition games, but head coach JJ Redick confirmed his return, signaling the start of a new chapter for the franchise’s young guard.

Meanwhile, several key teammates—including Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, and Arthur Kaluma—remain sidelined due to injuries, with Kessler nursing a finger issue and Sexton and Kaluma still recovering from separate setbacks. The Lakers will also be without Ziaire Williams, Cameron Carr, and Dalton Knecht, though Redick downplayed concerns about their conditions, noting only minor soreness or contusions.

The lineup for Thursday’s game will feature a mix of returning players and those stepping into action for the first time this preseason, including Williams, Carr, and Knecht. Notably, this matchup will also mark the first time Luka Dončić and Reaves share the court together in the new season, adding extra intrigue to an already pivotal preseason stretch for the Lakers.

With the team’s next preseason game not scheduled until next Friday, Redick has emphasized that none of the absences are long-term concerns, leaving room for further roster adjustments before the regular season begins.

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