URGENT UPDATE: Luka Doncic is poised to make his highly anticipated preseason debut as the Los Angeles Lakers face off against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. Coach JJ Redick confirmed the news, marking a significant moment for Lakers fans eager to see the star player in action.
Doncic, who has been resting due to a rigorous month competing for the Slovenian national team in EuroBasket, missed the Lakers’ first three preseason games, where the team recorded a 1-2 start. With the upcoming regular season opener against the Golden State Warriors less than a week away, this game is crucial for the Lakers to finalize their lineup and build chemistry.
After the matchup with the Suns, the Lakers will continue their preseason schedule with a game against Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, in Las Vegas on Wednesday, followed by a home game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday. Redick mentioned that Doncic is also expected to participate in one of those two games, likely leaning towards the Kings game as it falls on a less strenuous schedule.
In his comments, Redick emphasized the importance of monitoring Doncic’s playing time, stating, “I would say there will most likely be a ramp-up from Game 1 to Game 2 in Luka’s minutes.” The coach is collaborating with Doncic’s athletic trainer, Javy Barrio, to determine the optimal amount of playtime while prioritizing safety. Redick humorously noted his strategy for Doncic: “Give him the ball.”
Additionally, fans can expect to see Marcus Smart, who has been sidelined due to Achilles tendinopathy, make his Lakers debut alongside Austin Reaves in the game against the Suns. With LeBron James out for at least another two to three weeks due to sciatica, Redick is focused on establishing a balanced lineup that maximizes each player’s strengths.
As the countdown to the regular season begins, Redick acknowledged the challenges of missing a key player like LeBron, stating, “You want to put your five best players on the court as much as possible. We’re still working through that.”
Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how Doncic’s integration into the squad unfolds in these next crucial games, making this an exciting time for Lakers supporters. Stay tuned for updates as the Lakers prepare to ramp up for a competitive NBA season.
