The LA Lakers and Brooklyn Nets will continue their preparation for the upcoming 2023-24 season. LA lost to the Golden State Warriors in their preseason opener on Saturday. Brooklyn will play its first exhibition game against the LA Lakers. Both teams expect a proper turnout from their respective fans as it will be played at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
LeBron James and Austin Reaves did not suit up for Darvin Ham’s team against the Dubs. “King James” may not see action until the Lakers’ last two preseason games. Reaves has been given extended time off following his 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign for Team USA. He is reportedly ready if his number is called.
The Nets, meanwhile, will play just four preseason games including the game against the Lakers. Coach Jacque Vaughn may want to see his starters get more minutes to see how they would fare against NBA competition.
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Game details:
Teams: LA Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets
Date & Time: October 9, 2023 / 9:00 PM ET
Venue: T Mobile Arena / Las Vegas, Nevada
Lakers vs. Nets preview
Lakers coach Darvin Ham intended to give his new players more playing time in the team’s first preseason game. Max Christie and rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino led the team in minutes with 23 and 25, respectively.
Ham also wanted to see how newcomers Cam Reddish, Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes would perform in his system. It remains to be seen if he will continue that trend in their second exhibition game.
Anthony Davis showed that he’s already in tip-top shape and dominated the Golden State Warriors in his 13 minutes on the floor. Ham may keep AD on the bench on Monday.
The Brooklyn Nets haven’t played a game since Game 4 of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers. Coach Jacque Vaughn and Nets fans will be interested in how a healthy roster will fare. Nets nation will be excited to see Mikal Bridges, Spencer Dinwiddie and Ben Simmons in action.
LA Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets: Odds & Prediction
Spread: Lakers (-4.5) vs. Nets (+4.5)
Over/Under: 222.5
Moneyline: Lakers (-198) vs. Nets (+164)
There is a big chance the LA Lakers will sideline Anthony Davis, Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish. AD and Vincent are expected to have key roles next season so keeping them fresh and healthy is more important. Reddish may have tweaked his ankle in the loss to the Golden State Warriors. He could also be forced to sit out.
Darvin Ham should also be excited to see how the much-improved depth of his team will perform against the Brooklyn Nets. Jacques Vaughn, Ham’s counterpart, could field his usual players in limited minutes. Cam Johnson and rookie Dariq Whitehead, however, are reportedly dealing with minor injuries and may be held back.
Predicting a preseason game is very difficult. Both teams will be unconcerned with the final score. Still, the Nets, who will be making their preseason debut, could eke out a win over the Lakers.
LA Lakers roster:
- LeBron James
- Anthony Davis
- Austin Reaves
- D’Angelo Russell
- Rui Hachimura
- Gabe Vincent
- Jarred Vanderbilt
- Taurean Prince
- Jalen Hood-Schifino
- Christian Wood
- Jaxson Hayes
- Cam Reddish
- Max Christie
- Max Lewis
Brooklyn Nets roster
- Ben Simmons
- Cameron Johnson
- Mikal Bridges
- Spencer Dinwiddie
- Dorian Finney-Smith
- Nicolas Claxton
- Royce O’Neale
- Noah Clowney
- Dariq Whitehead
- Cameron Thomas
- Day’Ron Sharpe
- Dennis Smith Jr.
- Lonnie Walker IV
- Darius Bazley
- Trendon Watford
Brooklyn Nets Nation! You can check out the latest Brooklyn Nets Schedule and dive into the Nets Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.