Luka Doncic is set to make his preseason debut with the Los Angeles Lakers as they face the Phoenix Suns on the road. Coach JJ Redick announced this exciting news ahead of the matchup, which is scheduled for Tuesday.
Doncic’s Preseason Participation
Doncic missed the Lakers’ first three preseason games, where the team recorded a 1-2 record. The Lakers have been cautious with the 26-year-old star’s workload after his recent commitment to the Slovenian national team during EuroBasket. Redick mentioned that Doncic’s playing time will be carefully managed, particularly in the game against the Suns.
Upcoming Games
The Lakers have a packed preseason schedule. After the game against the Suns, they will play a subsequent match in Las Vegas against Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, and then conclude their preseason against the Sacramento Kings at home.
- Tuesday: Lakers vs. Suns (Preseason Debut for Doncic)
- Wednesday: Lakers vs. Mavericks in Las Vegas
- Friday: Lakers vs. Kings (Home Game)
Player Updates
In addition to Doncic, Marcus Smart is set to make his Lakers debut in the matchup against the Suns, having missed the first three games due to Achilles tendinopathy. Austin Reaves will also participate in this game.
Coach Redick’s Strategy
As opening night approaches, Redick is still determining his starting lineup. The Lakers are set to face the Golden State Warriors next Tuesday. With LeBron James out for another two to three weeks due to sciatica, making strategic decisions has become crucial for the coaching staff.
Redick emphasized the importance of assembling a balanced lineup: “You want to put your five best players on the court as much as possible while maintaining balance,” he said. He reiterated the necessity of analyzing every lineup regarding defensive capabilities, offensive creation, and shooting adequacy.
Conclusion
As Doncic prepares for his preseason debut against the Suns, all eyes will be on how he integrates into the Lakers’ strategy. With key players like Smart and Reaves on the court and James sidelined, the upcoming games will be a critical assessment of the team’s adaptability and depth.
