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Warriors vs Lakers headlines Tuesday’s preseason schedule in Las Vegas, but Los Angeles will once again take the court without several important players. Coach JJ Redick confirmed that five Lakers will not play against Golden State, creating another challenging test for a team still working through its rotation and defensive identity.
The Lakers have already dealt with a difficult preseason injury situation, and their latest availability report keeps the spotlight on roster depth. Luka Doncic, Collin Sexton, Adou Thiero, Ziaire Williams and Cameron Carr are all set to miss the matchup, according to Lakers Wire.
Shocking Lakers Absences Reshape the Warriors vs Lakers Matchup
Doncic’s absence is not connected to an injury. Redick made clear that the Lakers star is simply receiving a night of rest. With the regular season approaching, managing Doncic’s workload is likely to remain an important part of Los Angeles’ preseason planning.
The other absences further reduce the Lakers’ options on the perimeter and across the frontcourt. Sexton’s scoring and ball-handling ability would have provided useful support, while Williams and Thiero could have offered additional athleticism and defensive energy. Cameron Carr is also unavailable for the contest.
The Lakers faced Golden State earlier in the preseason and were beaten 124-98 when multiple players were unavailable. Tuesday’s meeting gives both teams another opportunity to evaluate combinations, although the result will be less important than health, conditioning and tactical progress.
Walker Kessler Finally Makes His Lakers Debut
The biggest positive development for Los Angeles is the expected preseason debut of starting center Walker Kessler. The newly acquired big man missed the Lakers’ first three exhibition games after suffering a jammed left pinky finger during training camp.
Kessler returned to practice Sunday and is now ready to experience live action with his new team. His debut should provide an early look at how he fits into Redick’s defensive system and whether he can immediately address one of the Lakers’ most obvious weaknesses: rebounding.
The center has averaged 9.3 rebounds in 25.3 minutes per game over his career. That production could be especially valuable for Los Angeles, which struggled to consistently finish defensive possessions and create second-chance opportunities during its opening preseason games.
Critical Rebounding Test for Los Angeles
Last season, the Lakers ranked 20th in defensive rating, 12th in total rebounding percentage and 24th in offensive rebounding percentage. Those numbers explain why Kessler’s presence has generated so much interest among fans and analysts.
His size, timing and activity around the basket could help the Lakers secure more defensive boards while giving the offense extra possessions. Kessler does not need to dominate the scoring column to make an impact. Strong screens, rim protection, box-outs and reliable rebounding would represent a successful first appearance.
Golden State, meanwhile, will test the Lakers’ interior defense with its movement-heavy offense and experienced perimeter attack. The Warriors also have decisions to make before the regular season, making Tuesday’s game useful for evaluating lineups and player conditioning.
What to Watch in Warriors vs Lakers
- Kessler’s defensive positioning: The Lakers will want to see how quickly he communicates, rotates and protects the rim.
- Rebounding efficiency: Los Angeles must limit second chances while creating more offensive opportunities of its own.
- Backcourt responsibility: With Doncic and Sexton unavailable, other guards will take on additional playmaking duties.
- Preseason health: The Lakers’ priority remains getting key players ready for the regular season without unnecessary risk.
Although the Lakers will be shorthanded, Kessler’s return gives the team an encouraging storyline. His first minutes should help Redick understand how the new center changes the club’s defense, rebounding structure and lineup balance.
The Warriors enter the matchup with a chance to capitalize on Los Angeles’ absences, while the Lakers can use the game to assess their depth. For fans, the most important takeaway will be whether Kessler looks comfortable and whether the team can improve its work on the glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Warriors vs Lakers preseason game?
The Warriors vs Lakers preseason matchup is scheduled for Tuesday in Las Vegas.
Which Lakers players will not play?
Luka Doncic, Collin Sexton, Adou Thiero, Ziaire Williams and Cameron Carr are expected to miss the game.
Why is Luka Doncic unavailable?
Coach JJ Redick said Doncic is resting and is not sidelined because of an injury.
Will Walker Kessler make his Lakers debut?
Yes. Kessler is expected to make his 2026 preseason debut after missing three games with a jammed left pinky finger.
Why is Kessler’s debut important?
Kessler could help improve the Lakers’ rebounding, rim protection and ability to create second-chance opportunities.
