UPDATE: Luka Doncic will make his highly anticipated preseason debut with the Los Angeles Lakers tonight against the Phoenix Suns. Coach JJ Redick confirmed the news just hours before the game, adding excitement to Lakers fans eager for Doncic’s performance.
The game kicks off at 7:00 PM PT in Phoenix, marking Doncic’s first appearance after sitting out the Lakers’ first three preseason games. The decision to rest the star player follows his rigorous commitment to the Slovenian national team during EuroBasket, where he showcased his top-tier skills.
Redick emphasized the importance of managing Doncic’s minutes in the early stages of the preseason, stating, “I would say there will most likely be a ramp-up from Game 1 to Game 2 in Luka’s minutes.” The Lakers are taking a cautious approach, particularly with the regular season opener against the Golden State Warriors only a week away.
In addition to Doncic, the Lakers will also see the return of Marcus Smart, who has been sidelined due to Achilles tendinopathy. Smart is set to make his debut against the Suns, alongside Austin Reaves.
After tonight’s matchup, the Lakers will continue their preseason schedule with a game against Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, on October 11 in Las Vegas, followed by a home game against the Sacramento Kings on October 13. Redick has indicated that Doncic will likely participate in either the Mavericks or Kings game, with the latter being the more probable option due to the back-to-back game scenario.
With LeBron James out for at least another two to three weeks due to sciatica, Redick faces the challenge of finalizing his starting lineup. “You want to put your five best players on the court as much as possible,” Redick noted. “We have a week to figure that out, and I think it will reveal itself to us.”
As the Lakers gear up for the new season, Doncic’s return will not only provide a much-needed boost to the team but also thrill fans eager to see how he will perform alongside his teammates. Stay tuned for updates on tonight’s game and the impact of Doncic’s return!
