Lakers vs Clippers

Bradley Beal

LAC · SG

Knee: Beal is dealing with knee inflammation that will keep him sidelined for Opening Night. While it's unclear how long the Clippers will be without the veteran guard, Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler and Kris Dunn should dominate the backcourt minutes in his absence. Beal's 2025-26 campaign was cut short by a hip injury after he averaged 8.2 points and 1.7 assists in 20.6 minutes across just six regular-season appearances.

Brandon Ingram

LAC · SF

Achilles: Ingram has yet to make his season debut while recovering from a partially torn Achilles, though he's seemingly getting closer to a return to action. In the meantime, Gradey Dick and Kobe Sanders will likely continue seeing increased burn.

Jordan Miller

LAC · SG

Shoulder: It's a tough break for Miller, who had an opportunity to battle for a reserve role during training camp in the fall. The timeline for a return is likely to keep him on the shelf until after the All-Star break. Miller's extended stay on the sidelines gives Kobe Sanders a chance to crack the Clippers' rotation.

Max Strus

LAC · SG

Foot: Strus sustained a partially torn plantar fascia in his right foot in the Clippers' preseason opener but is seemingly nearing a return to game action. Keaton Wagler and Kobe Sanders will likely continue seeing increased playing time for as long as Strus and Brandon Ingram (Achilles) are sidelined.

Yanic Konan Niederhauser

LAC · C

Foot: With Niederhauser still working back from a foot injury, this move is more about the Clippers' long-term roster planning than any immediate status change. It keeps the young center under team control beyond this season, which was the expectation after Los Angeles spent a first-round pick on Niederhauser a year ago.