Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, James Harden Out for Nets vs. Lakers Preseason Opener

The start of the 2021-22 NBA season is right around the corner, and the preseason will open Sunday with the Brooklyn Nets visiting the Los Angeles Lakers.

But don't expect to see many star players in that game. Nets coach Steve Nash told reporters Saturday that the team will be without many of its key cogs, namely the Big Three of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden.

The Nets will likely lean heavily on their younger players in Sunday's game, but the team will also have a veteran on the floor. According to Alex Schiffer of The Athletic, LaMarcus Aldridge will get some playing time. Paul Millsap reportedly will also see some action.

Aldridge, a seven-time All-Star, signed with Brooklyn on a veteran's minimum deal after being medically cleared to end his retirement. The 6'11" big man announced in April that he was stepping away from basketball because of an irregular heartbeat. He was limited to five appearances with the Nets last season.

Without its stars, Brooklyn will get a look at the players who will likely shape the bench rotation. Bruce Brown and Nicolas Claxton will lead the way after playing significant minutes last season.

The Nets' four 2021 draft picks are also likely to get some run against the Lakers. Brooklyn selected guard Cam Thomas with the 27th pick in the first round, forward Kessler Edwards with the 44th pick in the second round, guard Marcus Zegarowski 49th and forward RaiQuan Gray 59th. The team also acquired the rights to center Day'Ron Sharpe, who was selected 29th by the Phoenix Suns.

Thomas is expected to be a key contributor right away after averaging 23.0 points in his freshman season at LSU. Sharpe, Edwards and Gray will likely be counted on for frontcourt depth. Zegarowski is a sharpshooter who shot 42.3 percent from three-point range in three seasons at Creighton.