Luka Doncic delivered a standout performance in his preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 25 points in a 113-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns, signaling his return to form after summer international play.
In Tuesday night’s preseason matchup against the Phoenix Suns, Luka Doncic took the court for the first time this fall, playing 22 minutes and finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Despite the Lakers’ loss, Doncic’s efficiency was notable, as he shot 7-of-15 from the field and 4-of-8 from three-point range. His presence on the floor was impactful, with the team outscoring the Suns by 11 points during his minutes. The game highlighted his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories even in limited action.
Austin Reaves matched Doncic’s scoring output with 25 points of his own, adding four rebounds and two assists in a strong complementary role. Meanwhile, rookie Bronny James saw 22 minutes of action, recording seven points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. James’ performance, while modest, showed flashes of potential as he continues to adjust to the NBA level. The Lakers’ depth was on display, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Suns’ balanced attack.
Doncic’s debut comes after a busy offseason where he represented Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025, averaging 34.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. The Lakers had been cautious with his preseason schedule to ensure full recovery from the international commitment. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the importance of ramping up Doncic’s minutes gradually as the regular season approaches. This strategic rest period appears to have paid off, with Doncic showing little rust in his first game back.
Redick addressed the media post-game, noting that Doncic’s minutes will likely increase in subsequent preseason games. “I would say there will most likely be a ramp-up from Game 1 to Game 2 in Luka’s minutes,” Redick said, adding that the team is coordinating with Doncic’s trainer on the optimal workload. The coach also discussed lineup considerations, especially with LeBron James sidelined for the start of the season due to sciatica. Redick indicated that the starting lineup is still a work in progress, with decisions to be finalized in the coming week.
Expectations for Doncic are sky-high as he enters his first full season with the Lakers, following his acquisition and a recent three-year contract extension. His performance in EuroBasket reinforced his status as one of the league’s elite players, and his seamless integration into the Lakers’ system is crucial for their championship aspirations. Fans and analysts alike were impressed by his debut, with social media buzzing about his highlight-reel plays and overall impact.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will open the 2025-26 regular season on October 21 against the Golden State Warriors. With LeBron James expected to miss the first few weeks, Doncic’s leadership and production will be vital in keeping the team competitive. The preseason has provided a glimpse of the team’s potential, and Doncic’s strong start bodes well for a successful campaign. As the roster gels, the focus will be on building chemistry and preparing for a deep playoff run.