LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will be taking on the Phoenix Suns tonight. As many NBA fans should be aware, the 2023-2024 NBA season is only a few days away from starting and teams have already begun playing in the NBA preseason.
Both the Lakers and Suns made changes to their rosters this NBA offseason. While the Lakers included players such as Gabe Vincent and Taurean Prince, the Suns managed to make a trade for Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards.
Since both these teams are expected to go deep into the postseason due to the amount of talent and experience on their rosters, even a preseason matchup between them should excite NBA fans. With that being said, let us take a look at the injury report and expected rosters. Additionally, we can also find out the expert predictions for this game.
LeBron James is expected to play in the Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns game tonight
NBA fans who have been eager to watch King James play in Year 21 are quick to forget that it is quite pointless for LeBron to participate in preseason games. After all, any chance to get injured should be avoided at all costs considering how his injuries have racked up over the past few years.
It was initially reported that LeBron would play in about half the preseason games for the Los Angeles Lakers. He has done just that so far. Out of the four games that the Lakers have played so far, King James has participated in two games.
Since he sat out in their most recent loss against the Milwaukee Bucks, we expect LeBron to play tonight. Since he will not be the only one playing, let us take a look at the complete injury reports and expected rosters for this game.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report
- Gabe Vincent (questionable
- Jarred Vanderbilt (questionable)
- Jalen Hood-Schifino (questionable)
Los Angeles Lakers expected roster
- D’Angelo Russell
- Austin Reaves
- LeBron James
- Rui Hachimura
- Anthony Davis
Phoenix Suns injury report
- Damion Lee (out)
- Yuta Watanabe (questionable)
- Eric Gordon (questionable)
- Jusuf Nurkic (questionable)
- Ish Wainright (questionable)
Phoenix Suns expected roster
- Bradley Beal
- Devin Booker
- Kevin Durant
- Grayson Allen
- Drew Eubanks
Although there are quite a few players on the injury report, the main stars from both sides appear healthy for this game. Now, let us take a look at the expert predictions.
The Suns are favored over the Lakers tonight
While LeBron and the Lakers did go deeper into the playoffs when compared to the Phoenix Suns, they were unable to win a single game against the Denver Nuggets while Phoenix won 2 games. The Suns also acquired a third star in Bradley Beal to pair alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to form a big 3.
Despite the fact that a healthy LeBron James and Anthony Davis gives the Lakers a good chance against almost any team, they will simply not be favored against this Phoenix Suns team. Since this is a preseason game, it is possible for any team that fights harder to win. Nonetheless, we have the new look Suns winning tonight.