Doncic to Debut in Preseason with Lakers vs Suns; Smart and Reaves Also

Doncic ready to debut in preseason with the Lakers

Luka Doncic’s much-anticipated preseason debut with the Lakers is just around the corner. According to coach JJ Redick, Doncic will see action in the game against the Phoenix Suns this Tuesday. Doncic did not participate in the first three preseason games for the Lakers, in an effort to reduce the workload of the 26-year-old player after his month-long commitment to the Slovenian national team in the EuroBasket. After the game against the Suns, the Lakers will complete their preseason schedule with a game in Las Vegas against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday and another at home against the Sacramento Kings on Friday. Redick also confirmed that Doncic will play in one of the remaining games, with the Kings game being the most likely, considering that the Mavericks game will be played on the second night of a back-to-back. The coach will work alongside Doncic’s physical trainer, Javy Barrio, to determine the number of minutes he will play, but the Lakers will take precautions in Phoenix.

“I’d say there will probably be a gradual increase in Luka’s minutes between the first and second games,” Redick commented. “We’re still talking with Javy and Luka to determine what’s most appropriate.”

JJ Redick

When asked about how he planned to use Doncic, Redick humorously responded: “Give him the ball.” In addition to Doncic, Marcus Smart, who has not played in the first three preseason games due to Achilles tendinopathy, will also make his debut with the Lakers in Phoenix. Austin Reaves will also be in action against the Suns, according to Redick. With the start of the regular season against the Golden State Warriors a little over a week away, Redick is still defining his starting lineup. LeBron James will be out for at least two or three more weeks due to sciatica on his right side, before being reevaluated. Redick explained that the goal is to align the five best players on the court as much as possible, seeking a balance in each lineup, considering aspects such as defense, playmaking, and shooting. The absence of LeBron complicates things a bit, but the team has a week to define the situation.