What happened: Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick is starting Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and Walker Kessler in tonight's preseason game against the Denver Nuggets, per Khobi Price. Redick noted that the five-man unit was originally the plan for the preseason opener against the Sacramento Kings. Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr have been ruled out for the contest.

Why it matters: Redick added that Quentin Grimes, who has settled into a rotation role, remains a candidate to start despite coming off the bench tonight. Using tonight's preseason matchup to evaluate the defensive trio of Thybulle, Williams, and Kessler alongside Doncic and Reaves gives Los Angeles a live look at its frontcourt combinations before the 2026-27 regular-season opener.

What to watch: Los Angeles will use the final preseason tune-up against Denver to finalize its opening-night starting five and rotation ahead of the regular-season tipoff.