Lakers still have plenty to clean up with 2 preseason games left

With about a week until they start their regular season with a matchup against the Warriors on Oct.21 at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers’ health and player availability will continue to be the main priority during the final week of the preseason. Walker Kessler, the franchise’s marquee free-agency acquisition, could make his preseason debut against the Warriors on Tuesday in Las Vegas after sitting out of the first three games.

The 7-foot-2 center made his return to live play in practice on Sunday after dealing with an injury to his left pinky finger. Collin Sexton’s status is uncertain for Tuesday against the Warriors and Friday’s preseason finale vs.the Nuggets in Los Angeles, with coach JJ Redick saying the 6-foot-3 guard is “probably a little bit further behind” Kessler when it comes to his return as he deals with a lower leg injury.And Ziaire Williams, the 6-foot-10 forward who’s in contention for a spot in the starting lineup, is dealing with a foot contusion after having only played in the Lakers’ preseason-opening win over the Kings on Oct.

5. But regardless of who is available for their final two preseason games, the Lakers have plenty to clean up before the games start to count in the standings. Here are non-injury/player availability factors The California Post is keeping an eye on in the last two exhibitionsPreseason statistics come with an obvious caveat: It’s just the preseason. Many teams, like the Lakers, haven’t been able to use all of their rotation players in every game. And the rotation players who have suited up aren’t playing full games at this point, either playing just the first half or getting minutes in the third quarter before sitting out the entire fourth quarter, which complicates statistical takeaways. Most teams have yet to crack double-digit practices, and haven’t come close to installing all of their offensive sets or defensive game plans. But one thing is clear from the Lakers’ first three preseason ...