Lakers to Be Without 5 Players for Suns Preseason Matchup

Nov 26, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) during the fourth quarter at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are taking it easy this preseason, having rested several key players for multiple contests already.

In fairness, Los Angeles has an extensive, six-game preseason slate, including two back-to-back games this week — on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns and Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks.

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The preseason is essentially a meaningless warm-up schedule, designed to help teams suss out the periphery of their roster, two-way slots, and possible G League affiliate signings.

So it's understandable that Dave McMenamin of ESPN has reported that point guard Gabe Vincent, forwards Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt, and center Jaxson Hayes will all be on the shelf for Tuesday's clash against the Suns.

Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes are out tonight in PHX, per the Lakers

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 14, 2025

21-time All-NBA power forward LeBron James has already been ruled out for the entire preseason with a sciatica issue on his right side, meaning up to five rotation pieces for Los Angeles will sit.

When we say "up to five," that's because it's unclear if Hayes will actually crack head coach JJ Redick's rotation after falling out of it during the playoffs, despite ostensibly being the team's starting center at the time. James will miss at least the first week of the regular season, too.

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James, five-time All-Defensive Team guard Luka Doncic, and three-time All-Defensive Team guard Marcus Smart have missed the entire preseason thus far.

Head coach JJ Redick indicated yesterday that he intended to play both Doncic and Smart on Tuesday. The Lakers have been making a point to rest Doncic, who ostensibly is not hurt, after he plied his trade for the Slovenian national team at EuroBasket. Smart, meanwhile, has been dealing with an Achilles tendinopathy.

McMenamin has shared footage of Doncic taking jumpers following the club's pre-game shootaround Tuesday.

Luka Doncic, getting shots up after shootaround in Phoenix pic.twitter.com/4dKuqS4uCt

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 14, 2025

Vincent is in competition with Smart to be the Lakers' top point-of-attack defender. It's possible, too, that Redick could be amenable to adjusting his starting lineup.

Questions Emerge About The Lakers' Starting Lineup

Center Deandre Ayton will be installed as the club's starter at the position over Hayes and Maxi Kleber. James and Doncic will clearly start, while guard Austin Reaves — the team's third-best player by a wide margin — will at least start the season as a starter. But will Hachimura hold on to his starting small forward role?

The 6-foot-8 vet, while more mobile than James at this stage in their respective careers (Hachimura is 13 years James' junior), is probably a more natural fit at the four spot. Smart and Jake LaRavia might have a shot at taking over.

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.