Luka Dončić Set for Preseason Debut Against Suns

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Luka Dončić will make his preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET, the team announced. Dončić has been resting through the preseason after playing for the Slovenian national team in EuroBasket this summer.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick emphasized the team’s focus on Dončić’s recovery. He stated, “I would say there will most likely be a ramp-up from Game 1 to Game 2 in Luka’s minutes. What that total number looks like, we’re still talking to Javy [Barrio, Dončić’s athletic trainer] and Luka about what kind of makes sense.”

In addition to Dončić, Marcus Smart will also take the court for his preseason debut on Tuesday. Redick noted the importance of maintaining balance on the court, saying, “You want to put your five best players on the court as much as possible. You also want to have balance with every lineup.”

The Lakers, who have a 1-2 record in preseason so far, are looking to solidify their starting lineup, particularly as LeBron James is sidelined with sciatica. Redick acknowledged the challenges this creates, stating, “Losing LeBron for the start of the year complicates things a little bit.”

After facing the Suns, the Lakers will conclude their six-game preseason with a matchup in Las Vegas against Dončić’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks. The team aims to prepare him adequately with the regular season opener against the Golden State Warriors fast approaching.

As the Lakers adjust their roster strategy, it will be crucial for Dončić to stay healthy and perform at a high level, especially with opening night just a week away.