The Lakers started Luka Dončić, Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachiumra and Deandre Ayton in a Friday night preseason matchup with the Sacramento Kings, per NBA reporter Jovan Buha. Lakers head coach JJ Redick said this lineup would serve as a preview for Tuesday night's season opener against the visiting Golden State Warriors, per Buha.

The NBA preseason is often the dress rehearsal before the main show. Therefore, if you see what the Los Angeles Lakers have put up in the last 6 games, you’d say otherwise.

Ayton totaled 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-4 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and. blocked shot across 30 minutes during Friday's 117-116 loss to the Kings.

Despite a late surge, the Los Angeles Lakers remained winless this preseason with a 111-103 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.

Explore how the Lakers are adjusting without LeBron James and focusing on new lineup options for the upcoming season.

If there is one 'winner' of the Kings' preseason, it has to be Nique Clifford. He once again showed that he is ready to contribute right away as a rookie, filling in for DeMar DeRozan in the starting role. He finished the night with 13 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and a steal, and helped lead the young players to victory in the final minutes.

Los Angeles Lakers face another major preseason setback as a key player suffers an injury, adding to the team’s growing list of concerns ahead of the new NBA season.