Luka Dončić to Make Preseason Debut Tonight, Lakers Get First "Dress Rehearsal"

It's been a disjointed preseason for the Lakers, with critical players in and out (or in the case of LeBron James, just out) of the lineup, whether in practices or in the first three exhibition games. But tonight, that all changes! Barring any last minute emergencies, the Lakers will get the first of two anticipated "dress rehearsals" ahead of next week's season opener at the Crypt against the Golden State Warriors. Of course, LeBron won't be in uniform, so the Lakers not only have to get everyone on the same page as Luka Dončić, who will make his preseason debut tonight, but figure out who will take LeBron's place in the starting lineup. The most logical choices for JJ Redick are his two defensive aces, Marcus Smart (also playing in his first preseason game) and Jarred Vanderbilt. Vando would seem to have the inside track, if for no other reason than Smart could still be building up to a full workload as the Lakers treat his Achilles tendonitis with care. How do the Lakers replace LeBron's skill set? Obviously it gets divided among a lot of players, but it's not just about stats. James being out impacts how Redick organizes the guys who will take the floor. It's a big shake up. Finally, the Lakers are trying to bring Dalton Knecht back up to a place where he's not only a positive part of this team, but is seen to have value around the league. It's part of the reason he started on Sunday, with decent results. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Luka is back! SEGMENT 2: Who gets LeBron's starting spot? SEGMENT 3: Rehabbing Knecht's image. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Wayfair Get organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Peloton Let yourself run, lift, flex, and push forward. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ today at https://www.onepeloton.com . Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonnba for 50% off your first year FanDuel Right now, new customers can bet just FIVE dollars and if your bet wins—you’ll get THREE HUNDRED dollars in bonus bets to use across the app. Download the FanDuel app now by visiting https://FanDuel.com to get started FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.