Cardwell recorded nine points (4-7 FG, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block in 29 minutes during Monday's 127-103 preseason loss to the Lakers.
Cardwell was among Sacramento's first five reserves and grabbed four offensive rebounds while filling up the defensive stat sheet. The second-year big is competing for frontcourt minutes behind Domantas Sabonis after averaging 5.4 points and 7.5 rebounds during the 2025-26 regular season.