Austin Reaves makes preseason debut for Lakers vs. Kings

Lakers star guard Austin Reaves made his preseason debut during Thursday’s matchup against the Kings at Crypto.com Arena.

Reaves sat out of the Lakers’ first two preseason games earlier in the week after hurting his ankle in practice.

The star guard, who re-signed with the Lakers on a four-year, $180 million contract, was in the starting lineup alongside Luka Doncic, Quentin Grimes, Adou Thiero and Kevon Looney.

Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves warms up before a game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images

Walker Kessler, Ziaire Williams, Collin Sexton, Dalton Knecht, Cameron Carr and two-way forward Arthur Kaluma weren’t available against the Kings.

Coach JJ Redick said Williams was experiencing soreness, but it isn’t a concern of the team’s.

Quentin Grimes and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers high-five before a game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before a game against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty Images

Kessler, the 7-foot-2 center the Lakers acquired from the Jazz as part of a four-year, $130 million sign-and-trade, hasn’t played in the preseason yet after jamming his finger during a practice.

Redick said the team will examine Kessler’s finger on Friday, before adding that the ailment isn’t concerning and that Kessler will play during the preseason.

The Lakers have two more preseason games after Thursday: Tuesday vs. the Warriors in Las Vegas and Oct. 16 vs. the Nuggets in Los Angeles.

Leave a Comment