NBA Preseason Live Thread: Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Lakers, 3:30 PM EST

And just like that, we’re back. The Brooklyn Nets are in southern California on Sunday to take on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to kick of the 2021-22 NBA Preseason.

Well, except that LeBron won’t be playing. But, Russell Westbrook, who joined the Lakers in the offseason will...also not be playing. Newcomer Carmelo Anthony? Yeah, no.

The Nets, however, will have...essentially no one, either.

Brian?

The Nets will be without seven players: Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Blake Griffin, Joe Harris, Patty Mills and James Johnson. No one is injured, but Nets prioritizing conditioning.

LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony and Trevor Ariza aren’t playing either.

Combined that means the only one of the six players who make up the two teams’ respective “Big Threes” will be on the court: Anthony Davis of L.A. and him for only one quarter.

So, at least we get Anthony Davis for one quarter. Lace-em-up, Nicolas Claxton. For approximately six on-the-court minutes, give or take, you’ll be responsible for guarding one of the best bigs in the NBA.

Still, all that said, there is plenty of excitement. Whether it’s for this game in particular or for the season to just simply having unofficially begun, there’s a lot to be excited about.

Make sure you read up on the game preview here.

Check out Matt Brooks on Brooklyn’s “lineup flexibility” here.

And check in on our friends at Silver Screen and Roll here to read more about these Lakers.

Game details:

WHO: Brooklyn Nets at Los Angeles Lakers

WHEN: 3:30 PM EST

WHERE: NBA TV and streaming live on the YES app.