UPDATE: Luka Doncic is set to make his highly anticipated preseason debut tonight against the Phoenix Suns at 7:00 PM PST, as confirmed by Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick. Doncic, who rested during the Lakers’ first three games, is looking to shake off the rust after a demanding stint with the Slovenian national team at EuroBasket.
The Lakers, currently sitting at a 1-2 record in the preseason, are eager to revitalize their roster as the regular season approaches. Doncic’s return comes at a pivotal time, with the team gearing up for their opener against the Golden State Warriors in just over a week.
Following tonight’s game against the Suns, the Lakers will continue their preseason with a matchup against Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, on October 11 in Las Vegas, before facing the Sacramento Kings at home on October 13. Redick indicated that Doncic will likely play in either the Mavericks or Kings game, with the Kings game being a more probable option due to the back-to-back schedule.
Redick elaborated on the cautious approach the Lakers are taking with Doncic, stating, “There will most likely be a ramp-up from Game 1 to Game 2 in Luka’s minutes. We’re still discussing what that looks like with his trainer, Javy Barrio.” Fans can expect Doncic to play a significant role, with Redick humorously noting, “Give him the ball.”
In addition to Doncic, the Lakers are also welcoming Marcus Smart, who has been sidelined with Achilles tendinopathy, marking his debut in the same game against the Suns. Austin Reaves is also expected to take the court, adding depth to the lineup.
As the Lakers prepare for the season opener, the absence of LeBron James, who is out for another two to three weeks due to sciatica, adds a layer of complexity to the lineup decisions. Redick stated, “You want to put your five best players on the court as much as possible, but losing LeBron complicates things.” With only a week remaining until the regular season, the urgency to finalize the starting lineup is palpable.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Doncic takes the stage tonight, signaling a critical moment for the Lakers as they aim for a strong start this season. Don’t miss the action as the Lakers face off against the Suns!
