Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Preseason Game 1 Key Injury Report (October 3, 2025): Who's Playing, Who's Out, and More
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to open their preseason campaign against the Phoenix Suns on October 3, 2025, but the matchup comes with a number of absences that significantly influence team rotations and early-season chemistry. Both franchises enter the contest without several notable contributors, making the opener less about star power and more about evaluating depth.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report for Tonight's Preseason Game 1 (October 3, 2025)
The Los Angeles Lakers are especially shorthanded, with four important players sidelined. The biggest name missing was LeBron James, who is entering his 23rd NBA season at age 40. The veteran forward has been nursing a glute issue that also involves minor nerve irritation, keeping him out of the first few training camp sessions. The team could decide to hold him out of the game as a precaution. Head coach JJ Redick stresses that the decision was entirely about long-term health, as the Lakers want LeBron fully ready when the regular season tips off against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
In addition to LeBron, the Los Angeles Lakers also miss Marcus Smart, who is recovering from Achilles tendinopathy. Smart is expected to return soon but was unavailable for the opener. Maxi Kleber is also ruled out after tweaking his quad during practice. Thankfully, an MRI showed no structural damage, though the team still chose to rest him for safety. Rookie Adou Thiero rounds out the Lakers’ list of absences as he continues to deal with a knee injury that has lingered since earlier this year. He has not yet been cleared for game action.
Losing LeBron and Smart, in particular, limits the Los Angeles Lakers’ ability to test early rotations and begin building playoff-level chemistry. Still, the franchise remains committed to prioritizing player health over short-term preseason results.
Phoenix Suns Injury Report for Tonight's Preseason Game 1 Against the Los Angeles Lakers (October 3, 2025)
The Phoenix Suns are not at full strength either in their home opener. Two starters, Jalen Green and Mark Williams, are unavailable. Williams, who recently joined Phoenix from the Charlotte Hornets, is progressing carefully through his recovery process and has yet to participate in full 5-on-5 drills. Green, meanwhile, will also miss the game despite no reported injury, leaving Phoenix without his scoring punch.
Impact on tonight's Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Preseason Game 1 (October 3, 2025)
With so many regular starters sidelined, the first preseason clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns becomes more of an evaluation exercise than a showcase of elite competition. Coaches and fans alike will look at the game as an opportunity to assess depth pieces, explore experimental rotations, and get a glimpse of how supporting players might step into larger roles during the season.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, the focus remains on getting back to full health before the start of the regular season. LeBron’s workload will be carefully managed, while Smart, Kleber, and Thiero continue their recoveries. The Phoenix Suns will also hope to reintegrate Green and Williams soon to build momentum heading into meaningful games.
Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Preseason Game 1: Prediction, Odds, Moneyline, Spread, Best NBA Prop Bets, and Betting Breakdown
In the bigger picture, the preseason opener highlights the balance that both organizations are trying to strike - protecting player health while also beginning the process of building cohesion. It may not provide a true preview of either team’s potential, but it it is set to show the patience and strategy required as both franchises chase high expectations for the 2025–26 season.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report for Tonight's Preseason Game 1 (October 3, 2025)
The Los Angeles Lakers are especially shorthanded, with four important players sidelined. The biggest name missing was LeBron James, who is entering his 23rd NBA season at age 40. The veteran forward has been nursing a glute issue that also involves minor nerve irritation, keeping him out of the first few training camp sessions. The team could decide to hold him out of the game as a precaution. Head coach JJ Redick stresses that the decision was entirely about long-term health, as the Lakers want LeBron fully ready when the regular season tips off against the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
In addition to LeBron, the Los Angeles Lakers also miss Marcus Smart, who is recovering from Achilles tendinopathy. Smart is expected to return soon but was unavailable for the opener. Maxi Kleber is also ruled out after tweaking his quad during practice. Thankfully, an MRI showed no structural damage, though the team still chose to rest him for safety. Rookie Adou Thiero rounds out the Lakers’ list of absences as he continues to deal with a knee injury that has lingered since earlier this year. He has not yet been cleared for game action.
Losing LeBron and Smart, in particular, limits the Los Angeles Lakers’ ability to test early rotations and begin building playoff-level chemistry. Still, the franchise remains committed to prioritizing player health over short-term preseason results.
Phoenix Suns Injury Report for Tonight's Preseason Game 1 Against the Los Angeles Lakers (October 3, 2025)
The Phoenix Suns are not at full strength either in their home opener. Two starters, Jalen Green and Mark Williams, are unavailable. Williams, who recently joined Phoenix from the Charlotte Hornets, is progressing carefully through his recovery process and has yet to participate in full 5-on-5 drills. Green, meanwhile, will also miss the game despite no reported injury, leaving Phoenix without his scoring punch.
Impact on tonight's Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Preseason Game 1 (October 3, 2025)
With so many regular starters sidelined, the first preseason clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns becomes more of an evaluation exercise than a showcase of elite competition. Coaches and fans alike will look at the game as an opportunity to assess depth pieces, explore experimental rotations, and get a glimpse of how supporting players might step into larger roles during the season.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, the focus remains on getting back to full health before the start of the regular season. LeBron’s workload will be carefully managed, while Smart, Kleber, and Thiero continue their recoveries. The Phoenix Suns will also hope to reintegrate Green and Williams soon to build momentum heading into meaningful games.
Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns Preseason Game 1: Prediction, Odds, Moneyline, Spread, Best NBA Prop Bets, and Betting Breakdown
In the bigger picture, the preseason opener highlights the balance that both organizations are trying to strike - protecting player health while also beginning the process of building cohesion. It may not provide a true preview of either team’s potential, but it it is set to show the patience and strategy required as both franchises chase high expectations for the 2025–26 season.
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