Doncic Set to Appear in Two of Lakers’ Final Four Preseason Games
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Luka Doncic will see action in two of the Los Angeles Lakers’ remaining four preseason contests, head coach JJ Redick said Saturday, Oct. 11. The guard’s exact game schedule has not been finalized, and Redick would not confirm whether Doncic will play in Sunday’s meeting with the Golden State Warriors. After facing Golden State, the Lakers visit the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday and the Sacramento Kings on Friday.
Doncic participated fully in Saturday’s practice after working on a lighter program to recover from a demanding summer with Slovenia at EuroBasket. “I was with the national team for about a month,” the 26-year-old said. “It’s a long season ahead, so we’re just being smart.”
Los Angeles dropped its first two preseason games while both Doncic and LeBron James sat out. James is expected to miss another three to four weeks with sciatica, but Doncic said he does not plan to force the issue in his absence. “He’s a great player who can help us a lot,” Doncic noted. “Our mentality has to be next man up.”
Redick still has two openings in his regular-season starting lineup. Doncic, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton are set, but power forward and the second wing spot remain unsettled. Rui Hachimura started 57 of his 59 appearances last season, yet Jarred Vanderbilt opened the first two preseason games and is fully healthy for the first time in two years. Newcomers Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart are also in the mix, with Redick indicating he may tailor the fifth starter to matchups.
Smart, sidelined by Achilles tendinopathy, is on track to make his preseason debut Sunday, according to the team. Reaves, who missed the second exhibition after playing in the opener, is likewise expected to return.
Source: Hoops Rumors
