The Lakers defeated the Suns in rookie Dalton Knecht's best preseason game to date

The plan, at least as it was conceived, called for the Lakers to come to Phoenix on Thursday night and play a practice that mimicked a regular-season game.

They would prepare for the Suns by going over a scouting report and the type of gameday routine they would adopt for the season. They would increase the starting minutes and try to mimic substitutions in the real game.

But even before JJ Redick became the Lakers' coach, he knew that sometimes plans aren't worth the paper they're written on.

“In this league, you don’t often live in an idealized world, and that’s OK,” Redick said before the Lakers’ fifth preseason game. “…In this league you don’t often get to live things out the way you want, and that’s okay.”

Redick laid it all out. LeBron James, who was in the 22nd grade, wanted to get some extra rest. Rui Hachimura, feeling a slight tightness in his calf, would take the time to get it right. Austin Reaves wouldn't put too much strain on his sore ankle. Gabe Vincent didn't want to take any chances after missing most of last season with a knee injury, and Max Christie's slight hip pain wasn't worth long minutes.

Read more: Lakers Newsletter: JJ Redick says communication is key to being a good coach

The Lakers' dress rehearsal, which ended with a 128-122 overtime win, would take a backseat to the caution.

The team, Redick said, was still able to go through its normal pregame routine, although Cam Reddish and Christie had to move into the starting lineup in the absence of James and Hachimura. James is also expected to rest in Friday's preseason finale at Golden State.

Anthony Davis probably finished his preseason with 34 minutes of playing time and 35 points. He started incredibly well from three-point range and scored four from long range in the first quarter.

He wasn't the only Laker getting hot from deep. Rookie Dalton Knecht had his best game of the preseason, scoring 25 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter and overtime – catching fire while the Lakers' bench fanned those flames with play.

After missing the game-winner against the Suns in Palm Desert early in the preseason, Knecht drilled a three-pointer over 7-foot-3 Bol Bol to force overtime, one of Knecht's eight three-pointers.

Devin Booker scored 22 points for the Suns and Kevin Durant added 19.

Read more: Lakers Newsletter: All those away games in the preseason seem unnecessary

In addition to the Lakers not getting the ideal sample, the team also won't have its full roster on opening night. Redick announced that Jarred Vanderbilt will not be cleared to return despite his continued recovery from offseason foot surgeries.

“His rehab and return to play are going well and are moving in a very positive direction. “It's very likely that we won't have an update for you in the next two weeks, so he won't be ready to start the regular season,” Redick said. “We are taking a more long-term approach. The coaching, the medical staff, Jarred himself, we are all on board. It’s a long season and we want to make sure he’s right.”

Because even though the preseason is coming to an end, Redick and the Lakers know they still have time.

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.