The Los Angeles Lakers rested Luka Doncic and several key players against the Golden State Warriors as head coach JJ Redick took a cautious approach during an unusual preseason back-to-back. Doncic had impressed just one night earlier, scoring 21 points in only 16 minutes against the Sacramento Kings.
Along with Doncic, the Lakers ruled out Austin Reaves, Walker Kessler, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Collin Sexton and Arthur Kaluma for the game at Chase Center.
Reaves continued to recover from an ankle issue, while Kessler remained sidelined after injuring his finger during training camp. Kessler has yet to make his preseason debut for Los Angeles.
The Lakers had little reason to push their regulars on the second night of a preseason back-to-back. Redick instead used the matchup to give other players more time on the court.
Luka Doncic Rested After Strong Preseason Debut
Doncic showed that he was already in strong form during the Lakers’ preseason opener against Sacramento.
The Slovenian star scored a game-high 21 points in 16 minutes as Los Angeles defeated the Kings 127-103. The performance came in his first preseason appearance ahead of the 2026-27 NBA campaign.
With the Lakers playing on consecutive nights, the team opted to rest Luka Doncic against the Warriors rather than give him another workload less than 24 hours later.
Los Angeles also remained cautious with Reaves and Kessler because of their injuries. Reaves missed the Sacramento game after tweaking his ankle, while Kessler sat out his second consecutive preseason contest.
The heavily depleted Lakers went on to lose 124-98 to Golden State at Chase Center, leaving them with a 1-1 preseason record.
Lakers Continue Preseason Against Sacramento
The Lakers will return home for their next preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. That matchup could provide another opportunity for some of the players who missed the Warriors game to return.
Kessler could make his Lakers preseason debut against Sacramento if his finger continues to improve. Reaves could also get another opportunity to make his first preseason appearance.
Los Angeles will later meet Golden State again in Las Vegas before completing its preseason schedule against the Denver Nuggets.
The Lakers and Warriors are also scheduled to meet in the regular-season opener on October 21 at Crypto.com Arena.
