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As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to tip off their 2026-27 regular season on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena against the Golden State Warriors, the team has announced its injury report for the matchup. Several key players dealt with minor injuries during the preseason, and those issues continue to affect the lineup.
New starting center Walker Kessler missed the first three preseason games due to a jammed pinky finger, but he is not listed on the injury report and is expected to play. Forward Adou Thiero and rookie guard Cameron Carr, however, will sit out after missing multiple preseason games. Most notably, guard Collin Sexton, who is anticipated to provide a significant boost off the bench in a sixth-man role, did not play at all in the preseason. He is listed as questionable with a right soleus strain, giving him a chance to make his Lakers debut.
Thiero's absence is particularly concerning, as he is dealing with an excess of fluid buildup in his left knee, the same knee that required surgery in the spring of 2025 after he hyperextended it during his final college season. The rookie forward also missed considerable time last year due to various injuries, making this a situation worth monitoring. Carr, meanwhile, has a right oblique strain, the same injury that caused Austin Reaves to miss nearly a month of action last month.
Key Analysis
The Lakers' depth will be tested early, but Sexton's potential return offers hope. His scoring punch off the bench could be crucial against a Warriors team that will be shorthanded. Golden State has ruled out Brandin Podziemski (back), Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porzingis, while Stephen Curry is probable despite an ankle ailment. The injury report sets the stage for an intriguing season opener with both teams adjusting to missing pieces.
Originally reported by yahoo.