A rough start for the Lakers! In their first four preseason games, they have only picked up one win. And with the regular season less than a week away, they would be hoping to close things out strongly by adding more victories to their column. Well, they will get a chance to do so tonight as they face the Suns on their home turf. But it’s going to be easier said than done because their superstar LeBron James will NOT be available despite taking a trip to The Valley.

As per the latest report via Jared Greenberg, Bron will not play in tonight’s rematch against Kevin Durant and Co. Well, he was not part of the team’s injury report and JJ Redick only said “We are gonna sit LeBron” without specifying a reason, so it is unlikely that he is missing the game because of any health concerns. Instead, JJ might have decided to rest his superstar because LBJ has suited up in the previous three games.

Surprisingly, James traveled to Phoenix with the team and even posted a video last night of a scary encounter with an Arizona Bark Scorpion in his room. “Scorpion tried to really get me when I got out the (broom)! Luckily, I was walking with my head down and saw him creeping! Welcome to Arizona,” he wrote, baffling the fanbase!

However, the 22-season veteran did not participate in the shootaround ahead of tonight’s game, hinting that he might not be playing the away encounter. Moreover, the hooper is currently listed as Day-to-Day. So, it comes as no surprise that LeBron James is not playing tonight. But he is not the only Lakers star missing the game.

Lakers set to miss star forward amid Austin Reaves and others’ ‘minutes restriction’

While LeBron James is likely just resting tonight, JJ Redick revealed another star who will not be available, “Rui (Hachimura) is dealing with a little bit of calf tightness from the other night.” Yes, Hachimura, who hasn’t missed any preseason game so far, will remain out for the Suns game. However, the head coach clarified that it is just a precautionary measure.

“It’s not a big concern, but just out of precaution he will sit tonight as well,” JJ confirmed. Although the Lakers have lost 3 games, Rui has been really impressive so far. With three double-digit games, he has scored a combined 51 points. And the hooper has rebounded the ball extremely well, averaging seven per game!

With LeBron James and Rui Hachimura out, JJ Redick revealed that Max Christie and Cam Reddish will be bumped to the starting lineup as their replacement. Meanwhile, there will be a few stars who will play but only for a limited time: “I think we have 3 guys with minutes restriction. Austin, Gabe, and Max, and that’s just all out of precaution.” So, don’t be surprised if you see the rookie head coach empty his bench early in the game with so many stars either on restriction or out for the night. What are your thoughts?

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.