Strus suffered a non-contact right foot injury after seeing limited action as he tried to cut across the top of the key to receive a pass from guard Darius Garland during the first quarter.
He was seen limping back to the locker room. Strus saw just five minutes of action, missing his only shot attempt. He did collect a single rebound.
Strus averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and two assists per game in 12 games played last season. He suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot during offseason training in 2025 while he was with the Cavaliers.
EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Collin Sexton #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media during NBA Media Day on September 28, 2026 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
At last, the Lakers will play their first preseason game on Monday against the Kings in Sacramento. It will be the front end of a back-to-back and the first of three games in four days this week.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings
When: 7:00 p.m. PT
Where: Golden 1 Center
Watch: NBA TV
After lots of talk during training camp, the Lakers finally take the court on Monday to kickstart a busy week of preseason action.
Despite controlling their own scheduling, LA will open with a back-to-back this week before playing a third game on Thursday. It’s a bizarre choice, and one that head coach JJ Redick doesn’t seem to love, but it will give fans plenty to digest in a short period of time.
It also means, however, that there will very likely not be full rosters available for any of these games. In previous preseasons, the team has played their superstars in just one of the three games. With a younger team looking to build chemistry, perhaps that changes. But there is a precedent of how things could play out.
Still, starting on Monday, we’ll have our first chance to see lots of new players donning the purple and gold for the first time.
Injury updates and notes
Because it’s the preseason, teams are not required to release injury reports, meaning we almost certainly won’t know who is and isn’t playing until the pregame pressers for coaches.
We have an exciting new feature in our app this season. It’s easier than ever to chat in our game threads. Each game, this post will become a live chat and will be easy to find at the top of the Lakers community page, so be sure to download the app and give it a try this preseason!
HONOLULU, HI - OCTOBER 4: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the game against the LA Clippers during the 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 4, 2026 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jay Metzger/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
‘Twas only the first game of the preseason, but if it was a portent of the season to come for the Golden State Warriors, it wasn’t a particularly hopeful indicator.
Granted, both Steph Curry (10 points) and Draymond Green (two assists, two steals) played a shade under 15 minutes and saw a grand total of zero second-half action. But the depth behind them, while showing flashes of promise, did not inspire confidence.
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg had a measly four points on 1-of-6 shooting but was able to haul in nine boards. A particular aspect of his game that showed some intrigue was his passing in the pick-and-roll:
Head coach Steve Kerr did, however, emphasize the need for Lendeborg to be more aggressive in terms of scoring and looking for his own offense. Considering the dearth of offensive options on the team, it’s imperative that Lendeborg establish his role on the pecking order immediately on that end of the floor.
Steve Kerr mentioned an early third quarter Yaxel Lendeborg mistake where he tried to fit in a pass instead of attempting a layup, leading to turnover and transition 3.
“We need him to have an aggressive scoring mentality and that’s something we are going to work with him on.” https://t.co/oN8SJ4eSUj
It was a sentiment that Curry echoed after the game:
Asked Steph Curry how Yaxel Lendeborg needs to balance his feel for the game with aggressiveness: “We don’t want anything passive.”
Really insightful breakdown in his full answer https://t.co/4E5xGkP25g
Offseason signing Brandon Williams was reportedly very speedy and shifty — with an incredibly high motor, to boot — during practices. Needless to say, he lived up to his rather rapid billing immediately, while promising to bring the much-needed change of pace in the halfcourt that the Warriors have sorely needed:
Dubs go to their "Thumb out" set for Brandon Williams. The get action gives him the downhill momentum for the paint touch and finish at the rim. Such a welcome addition he’s been proving to be so far. https://t.co/0eqPjqYH8w
All in all, save for a few eye-catching moments, this collective performance was overall nondescript. Few things stood out as legitimately mouthwatering. The advertised “5-out” offense that Kerr promised was obvious in the manner in which it was clearly a work in progress. One of the more intriguing aspects of that revamped approach was directly using the five-man as a bring-up ball handler, flowing into an inverted pick-and-roll with the floor spread, and dishing to the screener for a three, as shown below involving Al Horford as the ball handler and Curry as the screener — leading to Curry’s first preseason three:
Going straight into a spread inverted ballscreen for Steph Curry’s first preseason three. https://t.co/Jy74aQkUlS
There was also this exquisite after-timeout (ATO) set drawn up by Kerr, using Williams’ speed and downhill momentum to create a paint touch and lob opportunity for Gary Payton II:
Nasty "Finland" -esque set with the rip screen for GP2, weak-side corner emptied, and Williams with the lob for GP2. Again, the downhill actions will favor Williams’ speed, motor, and ability to do damage in the paint. https://t.co/sliF4npcHu
Not much else can be said of the tilt, with second stringers, third stringers, and camp invitees rounding out the rest of the game in what was, to no one’s absolute surprise, a meaningless result. The process, however, provided some early insight behind what is to come during the regular season.
Needless to say, they will have their work cut out for them if they hope to garner, at the very least, a play-in appearance — let alone, a playoff spot.
The Warriors will next meet the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on Tuesday, the front end of a preseason back-to-back slate.
BOULDER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 4: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz passes the ball to Keyonte George #3 in the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at CU Event Center on October 4, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The grid-bound streets of Salt Lake City are ablaze — the Utah Jazz have won an NBA basketball game.
Shout it from the rooftops, sing it from the mountains: the Utah Jazz are a winning basketball team once again. But maybe leave out the fact that this was a meaningless preseason game in which most of the starters were pulled by halftime.
It’s an odd feeling to have a basketball game turned on its head like this. Typically, the first and second quarters are the least interesting half of any given contest, with the stakes truly setting in as we approach the final buzzer. In the preseason, when the result of the game is meaningless, it’s quite the opposite.
We got to see Will Hardy’s first starting lineup of the year: Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson at the guard line, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. holding down the forward slots, and Jusuf Nurkic anchoring the center position in Walker Kessler’s absence.
We got our first taste of Darryn Peterson against legitimate NBA talent (even if it still took place on a college court). We witnessed Will Hardy’s dynamic offense function without restraint. We even got a Mo Bamba Sighting (TM). And though the result of the game was largely irrelevant for the final 24 minutes, we saw the Utah Jazz build and maintain a lead against an NBA Finals contender and the current best player on the planet, Nikola Jokic.
No one is counting preseason wins, but everyone will take stock of individual performances.
In my eyes, three Jazzmen deserve the lion’s share of acclaim for Sunday night’s success.
3 Utah Jazz Impact Players vs. Denver (10/4):
Lauri Markkanen
Stats: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Lauri Markkanen is the rock of this Utah Jazz team. Utah’s success is largely predicated on Markkanen’s effectiveness as a scorer and defender, and what we witnessed on the basketball floor of the University of Colorado, Boulder, was nothing short of vintage.
He hit 3 of his 7 three-point attempts, and attacked the basket early and often. Was it his most efficient shooting night ever? No, 5-12 is only fine for a player of his caliber, but he scored 17 points in 16 minutes and set the tone for his teammates. Utah jumped out to a 36-26 lead at the end of the first quarter, and the rest was history.
Keyonte George
Stats: 15 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds
Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency. Keyonte is running the show like a veteran point guard and looked incredibly comfortable operating within the offense tonight. He led all Jazzmen in minutes with 21, where he converted 5-8 from the field, 1-3 from three-point land, and hit 4-5 from the stripe.
Add a dash of playmaking (3 assists to 1 turnover) to the pot, and you’ve got a stew cookin’.
For a player who entered the NBA labeled as a high-volume, low-efficiency black hole, Keyonte has turned himself into quite the effective presence in Utah’s backcourt. If he continues this level of play in the regular season, he could make some noise as an All-Star nominee.
But where Keyonte impressed the most was his defensive effort. George wasn’t timid from the podium at Media Day when he addressed how his defense needed to improve — and had improved — over the offseason. And though he may never be a defensive specialist, he clearly took pride in his defensive effort on the perimeter.
Blake Hinson
Stats: 14 points, 4 offensive rebounds
Blake the Make, Hot-Shot Hinson, whatever you want to call him, Utah’s two-way standout held a flaming basketball at his fingertips in Colorado and hit 4 of his 5 three-point attempts.
When the second and third units took to the court, Hinson was the clear star, and he did what he does best: put the ball directly into the basket. It’ll be interesting to track Hinson’s progress this season and learn if he can distinguish himself as a part of the Jazz’s short-term future, rather than as a flyer on the two-way line.
Calvin Barrett is the Associate Editor for SLC Dunk. Originally from Springville, Utah, he currently lives in Japan and has covered the NBA and college athletics since 2024.
Harris suffered a left calf strain during training camp and will miss the NBA preseason. The Spurs announced the news before their intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday, Oct. 4.
Harris did not play in the scrimmage as a result of the injury and the team said he will be evaluated after the preseason.
In July, the 34-year-old forward signed a two-year, $31 million deal to join the Spurs, who reached the NBA Finals in 2026 before losing to the New York Knicks in five games.
He spent the past two seasons with the Detroit Pistons and served as a veteran presence on one of the NBA’s youngest rosters. The 15-year NBA veteran also played for the Pistons earlier in his career.
Harris averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists for Detroit in 63 games played last season and helped the Pistons earn the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference before they were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference semifinals in seven games.
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 4: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on before the game against the Denver Nuggets during the NBA preseason on October 4, 2026 at CU Events Center, Boulder, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz beat Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets 109-97 in the preseason opener.
First things first, it was so fun to see the Jazz back in action. It’s been probably the most eventful offseason in Utah Jazz history with winning the #2 pick in the draft lottery and drafting Darryn Peterson. That was followed by the trade of Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers that netted the Jazz another treasure trove of picks and swaps.
But all that left Jazz fans waiting to see this Jazz team in action. It was a bit of a mixed bag but overall Jazz fans have to be excited. To start, Jazz fans had to be excited to see Darryn Peterson starting, although it probably shouldn’t have been much of a surprise based off what we saw at camp.
First 5 for the Jazz:
F Lauri Markkanen F Jaren Jackson Jr. C Jusuf Nurkic G Darryn Peterson G Keyonte George
Peterson looked like he was tryign to play within the offense more than he was trying to get his shots. He had solid counting stats with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal (that assist total is deceiving because he set up some good shots on threes that didn’t fall). His shot wasn’t falling as much as you’d like for a debut, he was 1/5 from the field and 0/2 from three. That said, he looked mostly just tentative and got more comfortable as the game went on. His shot was mostly short. The more he gets to the basket the better.
Lauri Markkanen had a classic Markkanen game going 3/7 from three with 17 points. He was just 5/12 from the field though but it was pretty clear what Markkanen’s role might be. Markkanen is hands down the biggest luxury in the league. When he was forcing it in this one, the shot wasn’t quite falling. But when he let the game come to him, he was lethal. Markkanen is a purely offball shooter and cutter. And even though he is overpaid for that role, with this team it works. And because the Jazz have handled their contracts well, and subsidized the roster with young talent in Peterson, it’s fine. It might be an issue down the road, but for now, Markkanen is the most lethal third/fourth option in the league. Utah will mostly likely evolve to have the offense run through Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen playing off of them. It makes this Utah offense lethal. There’s no player you can double because it opens things up for everyone else. That said, there was one player that struggled in this one…
Jusuf Nurkic wasn’t great in the first quarter. His defensive effort was not great in the first quarter. He also didn’t finish well on offense and missed his threes. It was clear he was the player that Denver was alllowing to beat them and it was the righ strategy. Nurkic got subbed out a few times because of the need for more athleticism on the floor which came in Jaxson Hayes minutes. We’ll see if this starting lineup continues or if Will Hardy eventually moves to having Jaren Jackson Jr. start.
Speaking of Jaren Jackson Jr., JJJ was really good tonight. His ability to play on and off the ball on offense makes him valuable. He had multiple buckets in isolation on in postups and iso’s. He also found open shooters when he got double teamed. On defense he was solid as well, although it was difficult to gauge too much with Nikola Jokic passing the ball. Utah had their non centers guarding Jokic and then had their centers recovering. Jokic was fine being a facilitator and cut up the Jazz, who got confused off ball multiple times. That said, the Jazz defense looked better than last year. It looked like the difference beween the 29th best defense to the 20th best defense, but that’s an improvement!
Ace Bailey was a part of that defense. He was one of the bright spots in the game with his size, athleticism and scoring. Bailey looked like an impact defender and rebounded the ball well. His 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block night was really promising. There’s no doubt he’s going to earn more and more minutes as the season goes on.
Finally, Keyonte George looked realy good in a point guard role. He scored 15 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists but made the right read multiple times. He also manufactured 5 free throws, something that he’s so good at doing. His defensive effort was also there making that contract look good so far. Another smart decision for this Utah Jazz front office that has put together a fun, athletic, young team that is going to surprise some people this season.
MILWAUKEE, WI - AUGUST 10: Bango, mascot of the Milwaukee Bucks, poses for a 'selfie' with fans before the announcing and unveiling the team's new uniforms featuring the Harley-Davidson logo as part of their new sponsorship agreement during a press conference at the Harley-Davidson Museum on August 10, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After trading away a global superstar in Giannis and anticipating a major loss in viewership, the Bucks have made the effort to return the focus back to the local Wisconsin sports market, giving fans more control over how they can watch the games than they’ve had in quite some time. On October 1st, the Milwaukee Bucks announced Bucks+, the team’s new streaming platform where fans in the state of Wisconsin will be able to watch all locally televised match-ups (out of market fans will still need to rely on the NBA League Pass). Bucks+ comes in addition to those same games being available over the air on your local My24 station and will also carry podcasts for subscribers, including Behind the Bucks and Hear District.
The decision to launch Bucks+ is a distinct one. Doing so, the Bucks join the Oklahoma City Thunder as the only other team to offer their local games on an in-house, direct-to-consumer streaming app. Many of the teams previously on FanDuel have sold their streaming rights to DAZN, but the Bucks chose to forgo the $2m deal to test the waters with another small-market team on the opposite end of the championship-window spectrum. The app will be managed by the Wisconsin-based marketing company Good Karma Brands, which also owns 620 WTMJ and ESPN Milwaukee (94.5 WKTI), among other stations around Wisconsin (and stations in other states as well).
The last time the Bucks games were completely accessible over the air was the 1994-1995 season, with regional sports networks then taking over broadcasts and only leaving occasional games for over-the-air broadcasts, until FSN took full control in the 2007-2008 season. While to some it may seem like an obvious choice to make after potentially losing part of its international fan base, by doing so the Bucks are at least actively putting their money where their mouth is and making this season about the fans, which is certainly refreshing given how frustrating last season felt. One of the best moves the organization can make at a time like this is finding ways to involve the local community at the same level it did before the Giannis era—including finding ways to make the team itself and spaces like the Deer District accessible and community focused. The moves to keep the game broadcasts locally focused is a great first step in that effort.
Bucks+ is available for $19.99 a month or $99.99 for the entire season. You can catch the first game on it tomorrow—preseason kicks off against the Minnesota Timberwolves!
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 04: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns talks with head coach Jordan Ott during the second half of the NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 04, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 108-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Are you all prepared for the preseason overreactions? It happens every year. Very rarely can you remember what took place in the preseason if you fast-forward a few weeks, let alone a full year. Any recollection of what took place last preseason? Me either. It was all a blur.
Phoenix finished 3-1 last year during these games, but unfortunately, that did not translate to early-season success. They got off to a rough 1-4 start in the regular season, dropping four straight after winning their season opener against the Kings at home.
They also had a very unusual preseason last year, with 2 games played in China and the one before that against the Lakers in Palm Springs, so it was not your typical travel schedule.
Here’s what I’m looking for in these five games. And yes, five games feels like too much to me. Oh well.
1) Rotation experimentation
This is the perfect time for Jordan Ott to experiment, and I’m sure he will. Last season, as a first-year head coach, there were probably a million things going through his mind, including how he could establish his system.
Now, he can focus more on the rotations, lineup experiments, and pull some strings in areas his focus may not have been as heavy on last year, as he was installing a new system. Phoenix is returning 12 standard contract players from a year ago, along with the entire coaching staff. Less distractions. More implementation.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 27: Head coach Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns gestures during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
2) Ball movement
I’ll keep this one short and sweet. Let’s see the ball zipping around, please.
The first group especially. Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Miles Bridges will be the trio I’m keeping close tabs on. Throughout their careers, they have been more focused on getting buckets for themselves. In order for this system to thrive, we need to see all three make some sacrifices.
That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be aggressive. We still need them to get buckets. Just make sure it’s within the flow of the offense. If they all buy in, and we have Gillespie and Kennard running wild with Oso in the second unit, this offense has a real chance at being a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Jordan Ott talked about Kennard's movement shooting today and confirmed Kennard and Ighodaro are already working the pitch-and-catch game that we saw with Gillespie last year.
"That's another one Oso tracked quickly. … Instantly some guys just play with Oso better."
Hustle. Heart. Making the right play. Giving a damn.
These are the things the Suns did really well last season. We need to carry that same attitude into the new season, because last year they “stole” several wins by just trying harder than their opponent.
It’s a talented group, but they cannot forget what made them exceed expectations a season ago.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 28: Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during NBA media day on September 28, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
4) Good health
This is the most important thing to me. We need to send all the positive juju possible towards a Suns team coming out of camp and preseason healthy.
The Suns could finish 0-5 and lose by double digits every game, and I would trade that outcome for a clean injury report on October 21st.
5) The Youth Movement + Roster Battles
Play the young guys! Rasheer Fleming, this is your time. Koa Peat, this is your time. Khaman Maluach, this is your time.
And then you have the group fighting for either a roster spot or a spot in the rotation, period.
Ryan Dunn (to an extent), Pat Spencer, Jamaree Bouyea, Haywood Highsmith, Duop Reath, Koby Brea, CJ Huntley, etc.; the list goes on. There are a lot of fringe guys fighting for minutes or eager to earn a spot. It will be an ultra-competitive group, playing with plenty on the line.
Some of these guys’ roster spots are safe, but others are right on the cusp of being waived. These are the battles we always look forward to, and sometimes a huge preseason doesn’t change that fact. Remember Jared Butler getting waived over Jordan Goodwin, which led to an uproar from Suns fans?
It’s incredible to think that the preseason is already here. What are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments.
SACRAMENTO — Outside of brief clips posted on social media, there’s been a mystery surrounding how exactly the new-look Lakers will look against another team.
There’s still another two weeks before the Lakers play a game with stakes, but this week will bring clarity.
What will the new-look Lakers around Luka Doncic show during preseason? Getty Images
The matchup will be the first night of a back-to-back set, with the Lakers also playing the Warriors on Tuesday night at Chase Center in San Francisco, knocking out the first two of five preseason games before the regular-season opener against the Warriors on Oct. 21 in Los Angeles.
Everything the Lakers have been working on behind the scenes from over the last week — and even longer when counting small-group workouts during the summer — won’t be on display during the preseason.
And with coach JJ Redick saying the team was “still working through” who’d be available on Monday against the Kings, there’s no guarantee the lineups used against the Kings will reflect what the team is thinking for the start of the regular season.
But preseason games are still meaningful.
For the reps the Lakers will be able to get in preparation for the next two weeks.
For the opportunities for players to showcase why they should be the ones to start alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
Or even be in the rotation in the first place.
Here are a few things the California Post will look for Monday:
Collin Sexton (10) and Walker Kessler (14) will play their first games with the Lakers during the preseason. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Star availability
It isn’t clear how many games Doncic will play during the preseason.
Last year, he played in two of the six preseason games, but that was coming off a summer in which he was with the Slovenian national team for the 2025 EuroBasket through August and September.
After having his 2025-26 season end in early April due to a severe hamstring injury and not playing with the Slovenian national team this summer for the first time in several years, this is the longest stretch of time Doncic has gone without playing competitive basketball since he entered the NBA.
How many games will Lakers star guards Austin Reaves, second from left, and Luka Doncic play during preseason? AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Doncic typically plays 2-3 preseason games per year.
Reaves played in four preseason exhibitions in both 2024 and 2025, but that was also when the Lakers were playing six preseason games.
With a mostly new cast around them, getting the stars and role players acclimated with each other will become crucial, starting this week.
Defensive intensity
The Lakers wing picking up full court defensively in practice was highlighted throughout camp.
How does that transfer to when they’re playing against another team?
And who’s the best equipped to carry out and implement this strategy?
Ziaire Williams has been among the Lakers who’ve received prays for their defense in training camp. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, Quentin Grimes and Matisse Thybulle are all competing for minutes on the wings — and even at least one starting spot, maybe two.
The answers to the aforementioned questions will provide clarity on who’ll be relied on the most.
The bigs
The Lakers have multiple options for their big man minutes behind Kessler.
Will Kevon Looney have a solidified spot in the rotation? It seems like that’ll be the case based on comments made during camp.
Looney playing more will limit how often the Lakers lean on small-ball looks with Sandro Mamukelashvili at the 5.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -SEPTEMBER 28: Tobias Harris #23 of the San Antonio Spurs addresses the media at the San Antonio Spurs Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center on September 28, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Not long before the Silver and Black scrimmage, the Spurs announced the first injury of the season. Lone free agency acquisition, forward Tobias Harris, suffered a left calf strain during training camp and will be reevaluated after the preseason. He is considered questionable for the regular season opener.
Tobias Harris has a left calf strain that occurred in training camp. He will not play in today’s scrimmage and will be reevaluated after the preseason, per the Spurs. Harris is questionable for the regular season opener.
Harris was signed in free agency after averaging 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds for a Detroit Pistons squad that won the East in the regular season before flaming out in the playoffs. He fills arguably the one weakness the Western Conference Champion Spurs had last season, which was size and offensive versatility at the power forward position. The good news is the Spurs can afford to let Harris take his time, as they have plenty of depth at the position with last season’s starter Julian Champagnie, plus Harrison Barnes and Carter Bryant.
The Spurs have not provided an update on rookie Jayden Quaintance, who underwent knee surgery following the draft to fix an injury that had been nagging him since his freshman year at Arizona State.
The Knicks hit another gear during the postseason last year, particularly after falling to a 2-1 series deficit to the Hawks in the first round. So much has been written and said about how the Knicks subsequently pivoted to an offensive system that featured Karl-Anthony Towns as a “hub” and facilitator at the elbows, a decision that sparked one of the most dominant championship runs in NBA history.
That decision was a result of an openness within the coaching staff and locker room for dialogue and change. Towns told Mike Brown and his assistants that he wanted the team to give him a chance at the new role. Assistant Chris Jent, who is in charge of the Knicks offense, was also involved, pushing for the Towns-centric system.
Andre Drummond (0), Jalen Brunson (11) and OG Anunoby look on during practice at their training facility, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in Tarrytown, NY. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
Collaboration and the willingness to try new things were major considerations during the coaching search ahead of last year, which resulted in Brown taking over. And it’s hard to argue that it didn’t play a significant role in the championship run.
The Knicks’ effectiveness in communicating with each other during the playoffs helped fuel their championship.
“I think as a group,” Jalen Brunson said, “we figured out that we need each other to win, obviously, and we need each other to be on the same page.”
Karl-Anthony Towns (32) speaks with head coach Mike Brown during practice at their training facility, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in Tarrytown, NY. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
The early adversity is hard to remember considering the Knicks won 13 of their last 14 games — many in blowout fashion. But there was a time, after three games in the first round, when it was DEFCON 1 around the team.
It tested their mettle, but they came together and brought out the best in each other. It’s why Brown actually wants more hard times.
“A lot of people tend to shy away from adversity,” Brown said. “And especially early on, because you get scrutinized, and sometimes it can be tough dealing with that. I actually, I yearn for it. I yearn for it early, because I want to make sure that not only myself, but we as a group can handle it.
“And early on, especially when you have a new group, it’s tough to deal with. It’s extremely tough to deal with, but that will make you better, dealing with it earlier, as you go along throughout the course of the season because you have not only examples to lean on, but you still have your standard.”
Brunson and Josh Hart’s friendship is well-documented, but that the Knicks as a whole are genuinely so close to one another — and are all on the same wavelength, with a comfort level with each other — is a real advantage.
Head coach Mike Brown surrounded by staff after the Knicks practiced on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post
They can handle the bad times — and more importantly, use them to get better.
“The first couple of weeks or whatever of the season is going to show us who we are and where we are,” Brunson said. “No matter what we’re doing, whether we’re playing great, playing bad, how are you going to be able to learn? We’ll find a way. We’ll hold each other accountable, just like we did last year, and then we’ll be better.”
There was little change this offseason to that close-knit unit. Ten of the top 11 players in minutes played last year are back, with the only departure being Mitchell Robinson.
In a league where the last eight champions failed to repeat, it gives the Knicks reason to believe they can buck that trend.
“Second year with Mike and all of our assistants, terminology is the same, we’re moving quickly into certain things [during training camp] that we weren’t even close to scratching at this point [last year],” Landry Shamet said. “That alone, all that, just from the team perspective, just breeds confidence as well. You’re stepping into a familiar environment and you feel good about one another.
“We’re just exploring, implementing some things and seeing what worked and if we can build on top of it. But for the most part, kind of knowing what formula works and how can we get back up to that speed as quickly as possible? And from there, having a second year, having a second year in the offense adds some flexibility for some variability. I think it sets us up nicely.”
Team chemistry has a real impact. The Knicks are as close as they come.
Brandon Williams is small, shoots poorly from distance, will struggle on defense and might be the answer to an issue that has cost the Warriors in recent seasons.
Williams brings the kind of dazzling quickness Golden State has lacked since Jordan Poole’s lamentable exit three years ago. Though he doesn’t have Poole’s comprehensive offensive skills, Williams is an asset because he has the speed to get to the rim as a matter of routine.
That was plainly evident Sunday during the Warriors’ 104-101 loss to the LA Clippers at the Stan Sheriff Center on the University of Hawaii. It was an utterly defective performance by both teams, as is typical for an NBA preseason opener, but Williams’ Golden State debut was among the encouraging elements.
“We haven’t had anybody like Brandon here since I’ve been here,” coach Steve Kerr told reporters in Honolulu. “Just the on-ball speed and the ability to get into transition . . . he’s a real weapon.”
Playing 16 minutes off the bench, Williams submitted 11 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal and a team-best plus-16. The 6-foot-1 guard shot 4 of 9 from the field and missed both attempts from deep.
“That’s why they brought me here,” Williams said. “Play free, get out in transition, keep the team organized, especially in that second unit, and limit the turnovers. That was pretty a big thing today.”
The teams combined for 38 turnovers, with the Warriors committing 16 to gift the Clippers with 24 points. Williams committed only one but, knowing Kerr is emphasizing reducing turnovers, admitted it’s an area that will need work.
“We got lots to improve on,” Williams said. “Today was pretty nasty; we turned the ball over a lot as a team. It was going to happen. We were expecting that today, so as the preseason keeps going, hopefully we can cut down those turnovers and play more together as a team.”
As Williams came off the floor with six minutes remaining, he was greeted by Kerr, who was smiling as they exchanged daps. Williams will be a test case of sorts; someone the Warriors hope can offset his weaknesses by punishing opponents with his quickness.
Golden State is Williams’ fourth stop in the NBA. Undrafted coming out of the University of Arizona in 2021, he began with a 10-day contract from Portland, took one year in the G League, returning in September 2023. He lasted six weeks with Orlando before being waived, after which he landed in Dallas, where he spent three seasons.
As a Maverick, Williams was a threat in the paint, shooting 55.2 percent inside the arc last season and 57.8 percent in 2024-25. His 3-point shooting, however, was a profound weakness. In 116 games with the Mavericks, he shot 27.4 percent from deep.
Because of his shoddy 3-point shooting, defenses tended to sag Williams, practically daring him to launch. Sometimes he did. Other times, he still was able to sprint past defenders and penetrate all the way to the rim. He’ll get similar treatment until he proves his 3-ball.
“I’m just taking what the defense gives,” he said. “I know there’s a few times where I turned (down the shot), and Steve told me to let it go, so I’ve just got to play the game and just be natural.”
From the looks of it, he’ll still be able to get to his favored spots, which is the key to generating individual offense.
HONOLULU – Fewer than three months removed from leading the Warriors to a Las Vegas Summer League championship and taking home MVP, Yaxel Lendeborg found himself in new world during Sunday’s last-second preseason loss to the LA Clippers.
Vegas and Hawaii are different enough. Going from sharing the court with a group of other young players who either have little NBA experience or who are grinding through the G League, compared to being in a starting lineup with multiple players destined for the Hall of Fame, can make a player’s head spin. Lendeborg isn’t lost; he’s learning.
The lesson the Warriors want him to take from his NBA preseason debut is to be more aggressive. Steve Kerr stressed it after the Warriors’ 104-101 loss at the Stan Sheriff Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, as did Steph Curry, in their own positive ways.
“Yaxel was good,” Kerr said. “We need him to be more aggressive.”
Lendeborg started as the Warriors’ small forward in a lineup that featured veterans Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford and fourth-year guard Brandin Podziemski. Four days removed from celebrating his 24th birthday during training camp, Lendeborg played 19 minutes and scored four points on 1-of-6 shooting. Kerr highlighted a specific play early in the third quarter as the perfect example he wants Lendeborg to learn from.
The strong and long forward ran down the floor like his coaches and teammates want him to. He out-jumped his defender to snatch a pass out of the air for what looked like two points from a layup, dunk or a trip to the free throw line.
Instead, Lendeborg tried to force a pass to Warriors center Charles Bassey, who was in close range next to him under the basket. Unselfishness can be applauded, but good intentions don’t always mean the best outcome.
The result was a Warriors turnover on one side and a Clippers 3-pointer on the other.
“That’s got to be a layup,” Kerr said. “We need Yaxel to have an aggressive scoring mentality and that’s something we want to work with him on, because he can make plays and he can score.”
Feel for the game is one of the reasons the Warriors were so high on Lendeborg going in the NBA draft. Though he’s a late bloomer who has paved a unique path to the pros, Lendeborg can see the game in the same light as Warriors teammate Jimmy Butler. He connects the game like the Warriors always have loved, and his passing ability was seen Sunday with three assists, including two instances where he perfectly played the pick-and-roll game with Bassey.
But with Butler sidelined for at least a few more months while recovering from a torn ACL, the Warriors need Lendeborg to unleash his inner beast. They need him to power through players and use his 6-foot-9, 241-pound frame as a scorer, just like he did in coming down with a game-high nine rebounds. They need his inner trust to ooze and know that if he needs to scale back, he’ll be told when to.
Al Horford won the opening tip and got the ball in the Warriors’ hands. It eventually wound up out of bounds from Lendeborg fighting for a rebound over multiple Clippers, but it remained in the Warriors’ favor. After being the Warriors’ indound passer, Lendeborg let a corner three fly in rhythm for the first points of the game.
Lendeborg took five more shots the rest of the game but couldn’t covert. The Warriors couldn’t care less and never want that to sway his confidence in the wrong direction.
“The balance for a young guy who’s expected to have an impact is to walk that fine line of aggressiveness but being OK knowing you’re going to make mistakes and not get deflated and to move on to the next play,” Curry said. “But we don’t want anything passive, and I think he’s been answering that call early. You saw the first possession him taking a shot when he’s open. Grabbing offensive rebounds, driving – I know he wants a couple of those possessions back, but we want him applying pressure on both ends of the floor, but especially offensively being able to create good offense for us.”
Curry even used himself as an example. Now entering Year 18, the all-time great once was a young first-round pick with a spotlight all over him. He still looks back at getting the space to make mistakes as one of the keys to his ultimate success.
“It’s not going to be perfect. He’s going to make mistakes,” Curry said. “I think that he can hopefully thrive off the fact that he can play through those, similar to what I was – well, more expectations as a team – but similar to my rookie year, I got to play through that stuff early.”
Summer league isn’t the preseason, and the preseason isn’t the regular season. Lendeborg is five training camp practices and one preseason game into his NBA career. The Warriors are gifting him the grace of learning from mistakes, and a more aggressive mindset being his biggest negative is a positive in its own right.
Lakers guard Matisse Thybulle says he has been tested on defense daily by dynamic scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. (Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times)
“I mean, you have to work soooo hard. They’re soooo talented,” Thybulle said, laughing. “And it’s just … I think for me it’s great because getting to play against two of the best offensive players in the NBA every day just primes you for — I think it primes all of us, but me specifically — just primes you for what to expect. And I think it was a big thing when you’re growing up that practice should be harder than the games. And I think in the NBA it’s a little different because you just have to pace yourself for such a long season. But guarding Luka and AR, practice is definitely going to be harder than the games.”
During the first four days of Lakers training camp, Thybulle was frequently listed as one of the players who has been a menace on defense.
Austin Reaves said Matisse Thybulle "annoys" him. How do Luka and Austin annoy him? "You have to work soooo hard! They're so talented." pic.twitter.com/Qz8g1NLGSt
It was why the Lakers signed the 6-foot-5 free-agent wing to a one-year, $3.2-million contract.
Thybulle, along with Ziaire Williams and Adou Thiero, has been praised for how disruptive he has been during workouts.
“I just think naturally it’s going to be a healthy competition and it gets you better. It’s going to make Austin better when Ziaire is picking them up full court every possession and Matisse is in the passing lane trying to blow things up,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I think [Thybulle and Williams] — [and] Adou with his physicality — those guys are getting better from practicing that way. It goes both ways.”
Thybulle made a name for himself on the defensive end of the floor. He is a two-time NBA all-defensive second team selection, both times with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021 and 2022.
Still, Thybulle said he’s picking up new skills.
“I think, like the best offensive players in the league — Luka being probably one of the best — change pace so well,” Thybulle said. “And I think as I’m growing in this league, growing as a defender, learning when to change pace and go for steals versus sitting back and being solid and make it more of a cat-and-mouse game as opposed to trying to be in every passing lane every single time.”
On offense, Thybulle will try to mold his game around Doncic and Reaves.
Thybulle will be asked to knock down corner threes and fill the lane on the fast break.
Over the course of his seven-year career, he has made 34.9% of his three-pointers.
“I think luckily for me, I started my career in an offense that was similar to that, and just understanding you never know when it’s going to come, but just to be ready,” Thybulle said. “And just for me personally, at this point, having the confidence in my shot to know that when it comes, I’m ready for it, as opposed to just hoping for the best. I think it goes a long way as well.”
Health has been an issue for Thybulle during the past two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
He played in just 30 games last season while recovering from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and in just 15 games during the 2024-25 season because of right knee and right ankle injuries.
But he’s healthy now and ready for a breakout season.
He’s one of nine new players on the roster and he’s one of the Lakers that will compete for a starting role.
“I leave those decisions up to the coaches,” Thybulle said. “Yeah, so for me, if my teammates are happy with how I’m playing and the coaches are happy with how I’m playing, that’s a good sign to me that I’m doing a good job. But if that means I’m coming off the bench or that means I’m starting, I trust that the coaches know how to use me best to create the most impact, and we’ll go with that.”
Two starting spots up for grabs
When the Lakers play their first exhibition game Monday night in Sacramento, the big story line will be the starting five.
Redick has said Doncic, Reaves and Walker Kessler will for sure start and that the other two spots will be decided by an open competition.
Redick was asked who would be available in Sacramento.
“Obviously, [we’re] still working through stuff,” he said.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 09: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons waits during the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 116-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jalen Duren wanted to make one thing clear — he’s happy to have signed his long-term deal with the Detroit Pistons and wants to finish his career with the team that drafted him.
That might come as a surprise to many fans, who have been living and dying by unsourced media reports about him angling for a trade out of Detroit, feeling disrespected by the franchise, and the relationship being beyond repair.
During his introductory press conference following signing his five-year, $200 million deal to return to the Pistons, Duren said those reports certainly didn’t come from him.
“I’ve never spoken to anyone in the media, made any statements or comments about anything or everything that’s been out there, so you can accept those as rumors,” Duren said. “They do not represent how I feel or what I think.”
So what does Duren think?
That he loves his teammates, loves his team, loves his coaching staff, and sees himself in the Motor City for the long haul.
“I’ve built lifelong bonds and relationships with the people here, and I’ve always seen myself finishing my career here, leaving a legacy in an already legendary organization and city,” Duren said during his opening statements.
The bottom line for Duren?
“I am a Detroit Piston. I want to be a Detroit Piston for life. I want to give everything I’ve got to the Pistons and the fans.”
So how did we get here? Well, Duren said he also learned how much of a business the NBA is, and that all sides are working for the best situation for their respective sides. The Pistons certainly didn’t handle everything perfectly. Perhaps if they started out negotiations much closer to a $200 million number, we never would have gotten here. Duren’s camp seemingly did everything in its power to extract every potential dollar for Duren. That’s their job. But it can also lead to contentious negotiation and some fractured relationships.
If I were going to extrapolate from that just a bit further, I’d say it’s pretty clear where those unattributed comments were coming from that just kept finding their way into reporters’ notebooks, but it’s best to move on. Because there is no reason we all shouldn’t move on.
Jalen Duren wants to be a Piston. The Pistons want Jalen Duren to be their starting center in a legitimate title window. They made a deal that brings the big man back for the next five years. Nothing else really matters.
