Luka Doncic made a spectacular preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 25 points in a 113-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns. The performance highlighted his readiness for the upcoming NBA season after a summer of rest and recovery.
In his first game action since EuroBasket, Doncic played 22 minutes and finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. He was efficient from the field, making 7 of 15 shots, including 4 of 8 from beyond the arc, and converting 7 of 9 free throws. His scoring matched that of teammate Austin Reaves, who also had 25 points, but the Lakers couldn’t overcome the Suns’ effort. The game took place at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, marking Doncic’s initial step back into competitive play.
The Lakers had intentionally held Doncic out of earlier preseason games to allow him to recover from his commitments with the Slovenian national team. Coach JJ Redick explained that the focus was on ensuring the 26-year-old superstar was fully prepared for the grueling regular season. “We’re being smart with his workload,” Redick said, noting that Doncic has been a full participant in practices for weeks. This cautious approach is part of a broader strategy to maximize his impact when games matter most.
Redick indicated that Doncic’s minutes would likely increase in the next preseason game as part of a gradual ramp-up. The coach is also navigating the absence of LeBron James, who is dealing with sciatica and expected to miss the start of the regular season. “We have to figure out our starting lineup and substitutions without LeBron for now,” Redick added, emphasizing the need for balanced lineups that can defend, create, and shoot effectively.
Marcus Smart, another key addition, made his preseason debut alongside Doncic, playing over 20 minutes. The Lakers are integrating several new players and refining their pick-and-roll offense, which showed promise in preseason action. With James out, Doncic and Reaves are taking on larger roles, and the team is assessing how best to utilize their depth. Redick’s comments suggest that the Lakers are using these games to experiment and build cohesion.
Doncic’s performance is a positive sign for a team with high expectations following his contract extension this offseason. After being traded from Dallas, he quickly became a cornerstone of the Lakers’ roster, and his preseason showing reinforces his status as an elite playmaker. Last season, in 28 games with Los Angeles, he averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, demonstrating his ability to carry the offensive load.
Looking ahead, the Lakers face the Golden State Warriors in their regular season opener on October 21. Redick and his staff have a week to finalize rotations and strategies, with Doncic’s fitness and integration being top priorities. The preseason finale will provide another opportunity to test lineups and address any issues before the games count in the standings.
Overall, Doncic’s debut not only excites Lakers fans but also sends a message to the rest of the league about his readiness to lead. His ability to perform at a high level immediately after a break underscores his professionalism and skill. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on how he and the Lakers adapt to challenges, starting with the absence of James in the early games.