Los Angeles — Luka Doncic is expected to appear in his first preseason game for the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, Oct. 14, when the team faces the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
The 26-year-old guard has sat out the Lakers’ first three exhibition contests after a busy summer playing for Slovenia in EuroBasket. Head coach JJ Redick previously said the team planned to limit Doncic to two of its final three preseason matchups to manage his workload before the Oct. 21 regular-season opener.
Los Angeles’ remaining preseason schedule includes Tuesday’s game in Phoenix, a Wednesday meeting with the Dallas Mavericks in Las Vegas, and a Friday home contest against the Sacramento Kings. If Doncic plays Tuesday, he is expected to rest Wednesday and return Friday for a final tune-up.
Doncic arrived at training camp in what team officials called the best shape of his career. During EuroBasket, he led Slovenia with standout performances that impressed Lakers staff.
Stepping Up Without LeBron James
The Lakers will open the season without LeBron James, who is sidelined by an undisclosed injury. Doncic said the roster must adopt a “next man up” mentality until the four-time MVP returns.
“He’s a great player who can help us a lot, but we have a group of guys that have been practicing and we need to be ready,” Doncic told reporters after Saturday’s practice. “Hopefully LeBron can join us as soon as possible, but our mentality has to be next man up.”
The Lakers are 2-1 through three preseason games. Tuesday’s tipoff in Phoenix is set for 7 p.m. PT.
Source: LakersNation.com
