TITLE: Doncic set for extended Lakers preseason action; Spurs rookie Harper shines in debut; Warriors experiment with bigger lineup
SLUG: lakers-doncic-spurs-harper-warriors-preseason-notes
CONTENT:
Luka Doncic will log more than a token appearance when he suits up for the Los Angeles Lakers in the coming days, head coach JJ Redick said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Lakers
Redick plans to use the All-Star guard in two of the team’s final four preseason games against Golden State, Phoenix, Dallas and Sacramento. The exact contests have not been announced. Doncic, who spent a month with Slovenia at EuroBasket over the summer, has gradually rejoined full team workouts.
“I had the national team, playing one month or something of basketball. Obviously it’s a long season ahead,” Doncic explained.
The Lakers will open the season without LeBron James, sidelined several weeks by sciatica. “It’s a big change,” Doncic said. “But our mentality needs to be next man up. Hopefully LeBron can join us soon. We’re going to obviously need him.”
Redick confirmed Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton are locked into starting roles. Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia remain in contention for the remaining two spots.
Spurs
San Antonio got its first in-game look at No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper on Friday. The rookie guard, recovering from thumb surgery, had missed the first two preseason outings but delivered immediate results in an 18-minute stint.
Harper threw two early alley-oop assists to Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet and finished with a game-best plus-minus of +20. “Just being back out there with those guys felt good,” Harper told ESPN. “My teammates do a great job of empowering me.”
Interim head coach Mitch Johnson called the run “an important step” in Harper’s development. “He made some plays, but more importantly, he got to do it under the lights. That experience is invaluable,” Johnson said, per the San Antonio Express-News.
Warriors
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr is taking a closer look at a supersized starting five featuring Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and newcomer Al Horford. Kerr told the San Francisco Chronicle that the alignment “could be a really powerful combo” after reviewing the first seven minutes of game tape.
Curry noted the group’s growing chemistry. “We know there’s still a lot to work on, but I like the intentionality we’re coming with,” he said. Horford’s shooting and experience are expected to give the Warriors additional spacing and size to open games as preseason evaluations continue.
The Lakers, Spurs and Warriors each have four preseason games remaining before finalizing rosters for Opening Night.
Source: Hoops Wire
