The NBA is back! And all eyes are on LA as the Lakers prepare to host their first preseason game of the year. Their opponents? The Minnesota Timberwolves. But the fans will have to wait a little longer to see the Purple and Gold franchise at full strength because both their superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been ruled out of tonight’s game.

Yes, just hours before the game, JJ Redick announced that both LBJ and AD will not suit up against the Wolves. Don’t worry. It’s not due to any injury. In fact, they have been held for rest and are expected to make their preseason debut on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns.

Well, JJ’s initial announcement was only about LeBron not playing. However, it makes perfect sense to delay Davis’ debut as well because James being out would have anyway changed their strategy and the Lakers would not have been able to execute the schemes they will use during the regular season. So, it might be wiser to time their debut together on Sunday, giving them a better chance to build chemistry and adjust to Redick’s new system.

Moreover, Redick has revealed that he might be looking to make some changes in LeBron’s role and urge him to shoot more three-pointers. Surely, James’ career-high 41% efficiency from deep range last season impressed the head coach. And LBJ even acknowledged JJ’s plan. “My role is whatever it takes for our team to win. I mean listen, I can do whatever I can literally do whatever on a basketball floor so it’s not hard to plug me into whatever that game, whatever you know that moment, needs to entail.” He said.

Meanwhile, JJ also has plans to use AD as a hub and maybe push him into a role similar to Nikola Jokic, where he gets more control of the ball and the offense runs through him. And executing these plans might only be possible when LeBron and Davis play together. But there is one more player who will miss tonight’s game.

Injured Lakers star ruled out alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis

While LBJ and AD have been held out for rest, forward Cam Reddish will also not play tonight as he is recovering from what is listed as soreness. Well, he played only 48 games last season because of injury and picked up a veteran’s minimum player option this summer. Moreover, he did not even participate in Tuesday’s practice.

As per the report, Reddish has made progress in his recovery and will return to the court soon. However, tonight is not that night. And it makes sense for the Lakers to not rush his return as they will need him when the season begins. Averaging 5.4 points and shooting 33.6% from deep range, he did not have a great showing last season. But he could turn things around and be a solid three and D guy for the team coming off the bench.

Do you think the Lakers can sneak a win tonight without their three star players?