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

Anthony Davis likely wrapped up his preseason, playing 34 minutes while scoring 35 points. He started incredibly hot from three-point range, making four from deep in the first quarter.

He wasn’t the only Laker to get 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 playfully fanned those flames.

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

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

Lakers newsletter: All these preseason road games seem unnecessary

In addition to the Lakers not getting the ideal rehearsal, the team also won’t have its complete roster on opening night. Redick announced Jarred Vanderbilt won’t be cleared to return despite his continuing recovery from offseason foot surgeries.

“His rehab and return to play is going well and is progressing in a very positive direction. It’s very likely that we won’t have an update for you probably the next two weeks, so he will not be ready to start the regular season,” Redick said.

“We are taking sort of a long-term approach. The coaching, medical staff, Jarred himself, we’re all on board. It’s a long season, and we want to make sure he’s right.”

Because even as the preseason is about to end, Redick and the Lakers know they still have time.