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Los Angeles Lakers rule out three players for game vs Denver Nuggets

Kenneth Teape|
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: (left to right) Andrew Bogut, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Brook Lopez and Stephen Zimmerman of Los Angeles Lakers lock arms during the national anthem before the start of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on September 30, 2017 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: (left to right) Andrew Bogut, Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Brook Lopez and Stephen Zimmerman of Los Angeles Lakers lock arms during the national anthem before the start of the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on September 30, 2017 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without the same three players they were without against the Minnesota Timberwolves over the weekend.

The Los Angeles Lakers got their preseason underway this past weekend against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers would lose the game, as they were very shorthanded in the frontcourt and the Timberwolves took full advantage.

The Lakers will play their second preseason game tonight against the Denver Nuggets. Once again, they will be shorthanded in the frontcourt.

Just like in the first preseason game, the Lakers will be without two of their most experienced players in Brook Lopez and Andrew Bogut. The two projected Lakers centers come the regular season are both out for the matchup against the Nuggets.

The Lakers announced that both will be out on their official Twitter account. What was encouraging from the tweet was that both players were able to play in full court five-on-five at practice.

Lopez is dealing with a nagging back injury, and there were reports last week that he could miss some time in the preseason. Those reports came true, as Lopez will miss at least his second game. Bogut was dealing with visa issues, so he is a little behind the eight ball.

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Bogut’s absence is more connected to that, but the Lakers are going to make sure he is recovered from his broken leg suffered while playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season.

With Lopez and Bogut out again, Larry Nance Jr. could be the starting center once again. If Luke Walton wants to see some different combinations, he could slide Ivica Zubac, who had a strong preseason debut, into the starting lineup. Rookie Kyle Kuzma should also see some more playing time.

In addition to Lopez and Bogut, the Lakers will also be without rookie shooting guard, Josh Hart. Hart has been plagued by injuries since the Lakers selected him with the No. 30 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Hart missed most of the Las Vegas Summer League with an ankle injury. He overcame that injury but has been battling a hamstring injury since. He will miss tonight’s game against the Nuggets, but Walton is saying his absence, along with Lopez’s, a precaution.

Preseason games don’t mean anything, so holding out players as a precaution makes sense. However, the Lakers do need to begin building chemistry and cohesion.

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It is encouraging that they are participating in practice; that gives off the feeling that the injuries aren’t overly serious. However, getting them some minutes in game action against other teams, not just in scrimmages in practice, is important as well. Expect to see Lopez, Bogut and Hart get some game action at some point this preseason.

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