Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James in, Lonzo Ball out in second preseason game

The Los Angeles Lakers announced that LeBron James will be playing in the second preseason game, while Lonzo Ball will remain sidelined.

The Los Angeles Lakers came up short in their first preseason game of the season. The Lakers were blown out by the Denver Nuggets, losing 124-107.

Despite the loss, energy was high in the arena. No matter what the outcome was going to be, people were going to be excited because it was LeBron James‘ first game in a Lakers‘ uniform.

That first game was played in San Diego at the Valley View Casino Center. If you thought people were excited for that game, wait until he makes his debut at STAPLES Center. Fans won’t have to wait long for that, as it will come in the next preseason game, tonight.

It was announced that James would be playing in the second preseason game against the Nuggets. Just as he did in the first game, James will once again be playing limited minutes as he gets eased back into action.

It would not be surprising to see James held out of preseason games at some point. However, it will not come in the Lakers’ home debut in the season.

Along with James, forward Michael Beasley will also be available. Beasley suffered a laceration on Sunday against the Nuggets but was cleared for practice. He underwent a precautionary MRI that came back negative. Despite being cleared, the Lakers could still play things safe and hold him out.

One player who will not be taking the court on Tuesday night is point guard, Lonzo Ball.

Ball was recently cleared to resume basketball activities after undergoing surgery on his knee over the summer.

Ball has been cleared for contact in practice and looked better than anticipated according to head coach Luke Walton. However, the team will continue taking their time with Ball’s recovery and not push him.

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"“Just doing more of that, getting comfortable with it,” Walton said when asked what the difference is between Ball scrimmaging in practice as opposed to being able to play in a preseason game. “That is 4-on-4, that is a controlled environment. It’s his body going through those reps more and more.“And you can do that all day long [but] there is nothing like playing in those NBA games as far as how hard you have to compete and cutting and the way you get hit with screens. Just because he has been out so long, we are just trying to be patient with it.”"

Ball suffered numerous injuries to his knee in the past few months, so being patient with it makes sense. Until he returns, Rajon Rondo is expected to hold down the fort at point guard.

Rondo looked good in his Lakers debut, handing out 11 assists and scoring two points. Once Ball returns, the Lakers will have one of the best point guard tandems in the NBA. Both are excellent playmakers that their teammates will love to play with.

Following Tuesday’s game against the Nuggets, the next time we could see Ball take the court is Thursday. The Lakers will be hosting the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night.

However, with only one day of practice in between, it is likely that Ball is held out of that game as well. If the Lakers want to get Ball some minutes prior to the regular season, there will be four games following Tuesday night’s tilt.