So much for the Lakers being at full strength for the first time this preseason.

While Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart are expected to make their preseason debuts against the Suns, the Lakers will still be without four key rotation players. The team confirmed during shootaround on Tuesday that Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jaxson Hayes will all be sidelined for the game.

Given that the Lakers are playing on consecutive nights, it's not surprising to see several players sitting out. It’s also possible that some of these players will be available on Wednesday, and others who are active on Tuesday might not play. It seems like the closest we’ll get to a full roster being tested together will be on Friday, during the final preseason game https://www.losangeleslakerssportapparel.com/collections/chris-manon-jersey.

As a result, the Lakers will be thin when it comes to their rotation. The starting lineup will likely feature Luka, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and then possibly Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht. Without Rui, Vanderbilt, and LeBron, the forward positions are looking especially sparse. This is also assuming that Reaves is good to go after exiting Sunday’s game with an injury.

On the bright side, at least Luka and Ayton will get some valuable minutes together in the pick-and-roll, which could be a key aspect for the team moving forward. However, the rest of the roster will likely be very light, and the depth will be tested https://www.losangeleslakerssportapparel.com.

Expect to see plenty of Bronny James, Nick Smith Jr., Christian Koloko, and RJ Davis. There will also be extended minutes for Luka, as someone will need to play those crucial minutes.

For fans hoping to see a nearly full squad for the first time this preseason, they’ll have to wait a little longer.