The Los Angeles Lakers began their season facing several early obstacles. After losing against the Phoenix Suns in the season opener, the second game ended in a 111–103 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Key players, including Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James, were all sidelined during the second one.

In their third preseason game on Sunday, the Lakers once again faced the Warriors. With both Luka and LeBron still unavailable, Austin Reaves took the burden of leading the team offensively.

Midway through the game, Reaves had a brief scare when he collided with Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski. He asked for a substitution and stayed on the bench as trainers tended to him during a timeout. Despite the concern, Doncic lightened the mood by jokingly telling Reaves, “Alright, that

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