Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel confirmed on Friday that, star trio, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony will not play the 2021-22 pre-season opener against Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, October 3.
Trevor Ariza will also be sidelined for the opener, said Vogel. Outside of Ariza’s sore ankle, no injuries there, just managing the preseason schedule. And Anthony Davis will likely play in the first quarter only.
“So Russ and Bron and Melo are not gonna play and Trevor missed practice again today with a sore foot so he will not play,” Vogel said. “There may be others but as of right now, those are the guys that will not play. Anthony will play, likely just the first quarter and we’ll huddle up after practice tomorrow and see if any of the other guys will not be in there. But right now, that’s where we’re at.”
NBA fans has to wait until regular season to see the matchup between potential 2022 finals contenders going at each other with full strength. And Lakers fans also has to see their new stars Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony making on court debut in purple and gold.
The Lakers will kick off their six-game exhibition schedule by hosting the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, October 3, at STAPLES Center. The team then travels to face Phoenix on Wednesday, October 6, followed by a road matchup with Golden State at the Chase Center on Friday, October 8.
The Suns and Warriors will visit STAPLES Center on October 10 and 12, respectively, before the Lakers close their preseason schedule in Sacramento on October 14.
I spent $4,500 and they are not going to play! Wow! On opening preseason… I feel really disrespected!