2 LA starters are ruled out for the preseason rematch against the Suns

The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night at 7 p.m. PT, for the second time this preseason. But they will do it without two of their top five players.

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports that Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick has indicated that 20-time All-NBA combo forward LeBron James and veteran power forward Rui Hachimura will both be rested tonight as a precaution.

Hachimura is struggling with calf tension. As for James, Redick decided to employ an old Gregg Popovich-ism.

“DNP – Alt…I'll take it from Pop's book,” Redick joked. Popovich often used this term toward Hall of Fame San Antonio SPur power forward/center Tim Duncan toward the end of his career.

Redick, of all people, knows how old his long-time friend and rival James is. The 6-foot-11 former combo guard, who is just six months older than James, was selected by Duke with the No. 11 pick in 2006, three years after James was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2003 NBA draft . Redick enjoyed a full 15-year professional career before hanging up his boots and becoming involved in broadcasting and then coaching. And like clockwork, James averages at least 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists year after year. The 6-foot-2 superstar is so old that he now plays alongside his eldest son, 20-year-old Bronny James — whom Los Angeles drafted with the No. 55 pick out of USC last June.

In place of James and Hachimura, swingman Christie, a 6-foot-3 third-year MSU player who normally plays guard, and non-shooting forward Cam Reddish will start. Given that the Suns are using 6-foot-6 guard Devin Booker at center and string bean Kevin Durant at power forward, this isn't a bad plan. They will be joined by point guard D'Angelo Russell, shooting guard Austin Reaves and All-NBA Second Team center Anthony Davis.

Four frontcourt Lakers have already been ruled out. Center Christian Koloko, power forward/center Christian Wood, forwards Jarred Vanderbilt and Armel Traore are all out for at least the remainder of the preseason – Wood is out at least early November.

However, the Suns' best players will be fully available.

Per Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, Phoenix will start new point guard Tyus Jones, former three-time All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal, All-NBA small forward Booker, All-NBA power forward Durant and floor-bound center Jusuf Nurkic.

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