Walker Kessler ran a full practice this week, the clearest sign yet that his finger is ready for game minutes. Golden State comes back to face Los Angeles tonight already missing Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody to knee injuries, and the Lakers still don't know who starts beside Luka Doncic.
The Debut Question
Kessler has been day-to-day with a finger and arm injury since the preseason opened, and his own estimated return date lines up with tonight's tip. ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported this week that the center was nearing his preseason debut, and Lakers Nation said he was back to full practice and eager to get on the court. Redick hasn't confirmed Kessler will play, only that the door is open.
No Starters Yet
Lakers Nation reported this week that Redick still hasn't finalized a starting five, with Collin Sexton also day-to-day for a lower-leg issue and no return date set. Quentin Grimes and Austin Reaves look like locks alongside Doncic, but the other three spots stay open heading into the second preseason meeting with Golden State, four days before the same two teams open the regular season.
Roster Still Moving
The roster turned again this week: Rafael Castro joined the Lakers, and William Kyle moved on barely two weeks after he arrived. Payroll stands at $201.3 million, above the luxury tax line this season, and Doncic's $49.8 million extension leads a roster that still owes first-round picks to Memphis and Dallas into the next decade.
Will Walker Kessler play against the Warriors tonight?
It isn't confirmed, but Kessler returned to full practice this week after being day-to-day with a finger injury, and his estimated return date matches tonight's game.
Who starts for the Lakers against Golden State?
Redick has not finalized a starting five for the game, and both Kessler (finger) and Collin Sexton (lower leg) remain day-to-day, so their availability is a game-time call.
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