This year's Lakers preseason has largely been about what hasn't occurred rather than what has.

Luka Dončić has only played in a single game, and LeBron James is expected to be out until at least mid-November due to sciatica. With other key players also rotating in and out, the Lakers have struggled to build consistency, posting a 1-4 preseason record while never being able to field their full roster.

However, the Lakers plan to approach their final preseason game with a more focused mindset.

Head coach JJ Redick mentioned after their loss to the Mavericks that the team plans to treat their last preseason contest as a crucial opportunity to finalize their lineup.

"Plans can shift," Redick said. "But Luka’s minutes will increase compared to the previous game. It’ll be similar to how [Jason Kidd] adjusted his rotations.Rui Hachimura Jersey We’ll make sure the key players get some regular minutes through the early stages of the fourth quarter."

This final game offers the Lakers their first chance to try out their typical rotations in a competitive environment. Training camp can be intense, but there's no substitute for real game action, even in the preseason.

The Lakers will face the Sacramento Kings, a team they’ll be competing against in the Western Conference, and it’s a critical test to measure where they stand.

This is particularly important as the Lakers have new additions like Marcus Smart, Jake LaRavia, and Deandre Ayton, all expected to play important roles. https://www.losangeleslakerssportapparel.com, With limited preseason time alongside Luka, these final minutes are essential for building team chemistry before the regular season begins.

It’s not just about the players—Redick also has a chance to assess how his rotations are shaping up. This game will give him valuable insights into whether to repeat Friday's approach when the Lakers start the regular season against the Warriors.

In the end, this final preseason game won't count in the standings, but it's a valuable opportunity for the Lakers to experiment and test out different strategies without worrying about consequences.