Sports · Basketball · 9 hrs ago
Keegan Murray returns from ankle setback as Lakers assess key additions
Kings forward Keegan Murray played his first preseason game on Saturday against Golden State after missing Sacramento’s first two exhibition games with an ankle setback.
He appeared in only 23 games last season because of injuries, including a left ankle sprain that ended his year, and had surgery on that ankle in May.
Murray said he is managing the ankle and wants to be ready for the regular season.
The Lakers’ new center, Walker Kessler, and guard, Collin Sexton, have also not played in the preseason because of injuries.
Coach JJ Redick said Kessler was not certain to play in the next preseason game and that Sexton was further behind in his recovery.
Redick had previously said he expected Kessler to play in one of the remaining preseason games and Sexton to be available for the regular-season opener on October 21.
Luka Doncic, whose previous season ended with a hamstring injury, said the experience is motivating him for the new season.
Kings forward Keegan Murray made his preseason debut after an ankle setback delayed his return.
Murray said he is managing the ankle and preparing for the regular season.
He appeared in only 23 games last season after several injuries, including a left ankle sprain.
Lakers additions Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton had yet to make their preseason debuts.
Coach JJ Redick said Sexton was further behind Kessler in returning to action.
- Who
- Kings forward Keegan Murray, and Lakers players Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton.
- What
- Murray returned to preseason action after an ankle setback. The Lakers were assessing when Kessler and Sexton could play.
- When
- Murray made his preseason debut on Saturday night. The article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- Murray played against Golden State. The Lakers’ preseason game mentioned was also against Golden State.
- Why
- Murray said he was managing his ankle and getting it ready for games. The Lakers were monitoring the players’ readiness after injuries.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
had a little setback
I’ve been dealing with it for a little while, so right now it’s just basically managing it, getting it ready for games
not committed
probably a little bit further behind
Murray’s season debut was delayed until November 20 after surgery on his left thumb.
Murray missed two games with a mild calf strain.
Murray returned from a left ankle sprain for four games, then aggravated the injury and ended his season.
Murray underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle.
Murray said he had an ankle setback and missed Sacramento’s first two preseason games.
Murray made his preseason debut against Golden State.
- Murray’s appearances in 2025/26
- 23
- Murray’s preseason debut
- Saturday night against Golden State
- Murray’s ankle surgery
- Arthroscopic left ankle surgery in May
- Kessler’s reported injury
- Jammed finger
- Sexton’s reported injury
- Lower leg
- Lakers regular-season opener
- October 21
Sources
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