Brief

Austin Reaves debuts for Lakers in preseason loss to Kings

Reaves started for Los Angeles despite a recent ankle sprain as the Lakers fell to Sacramento.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 09 Oct 2026 16:04:24 GMT

Austin Reaves started for the Los Angeles Lakers in his preseason debut on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena, according to the New York Post.

What happened

Reaves, who missed the Lakers' first two preseason games due to an ankle injury, was in the starting lineup with Luka Doncic, Quentin Grimes, Adou Thiero and Kevon Looney. The Kings defeated the Lakers, and several Lakers players—including Walker Kessler, Ziaire Williams, Collin Sexton, Dalton Knecht, Cameron Carr and two‑way forward Arthur Kaluma—did not play.

What the reports add

Coach JJ Redick said Williams was dealing with soreness but it was not a concern. Kessler, the 7‑foot‑2 center acquired in a sign‑and‑trade, missed the game after jamming his finger in practice; Redick indicated the finger would be examined on Friday and expected Kessler to play later in the preseason.

What was said

Redick told reporters the team was monitoring Williams' soreness and Kessler's finger injury, but did not view either as a major issue.

How it came about

Reaves signed a four‑year, $180 million contract in July and had previously been sidelined by the ankle injury. The Lakers have two more preseason games scheduled: Tuesday vs. the Warriors in Las Vegas and Oct. 16 vs. the Nuggets in Los Angeles.

Key facts

Austin Reaves started for the Lakers in his preseason debut on Oct. 8, 2026. (nypost.com)
Reaves missed the first two preseason games due to an ankle injury. (nypost.com)
Lakers lost to the Sacramento Kings in that game. (nypost.com)
Coach JJ Redick said Williams' soreness and Kessler's finger injury were not major concerns. (nypost.com)