Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

When Will Luka Doncic Make his Preseason Debut? Latest Update on Los Angeles Lakers Star’s Status Ahead of Clash Against Phoenix Suns

Luka Doncic was rested after an active summer of EuroBasket play.

Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The wait is finally over for the Los Angeles Lakers fans. The Lakers’ superstar, Luka Doncic, is finally set to make his preseason debut. According to reports by Dave McMenamin, Doncic will lace up for the Tuesday-night clash against the Phoenix Suns. The 26-year-old Slovenian superstar, who was acquired in a blockbuster mid-season trade in exchange for Anthony Davis earlier this year, has been out of the Lakers’ first three preseason clashes.

Luka Doncic plans to play Tuesday in Phoenix against the Suns, a source told ESPN. It will be Doncic’s preseason debut. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Doncic will play in two out of LAL’s final three preseason games.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 13, 2025

With him and LeBron James being out of action, the Lakers have been able to record only one victory thus far. According to reports, Doncic partook in LA’s team practice on Saturday. While he didn’t lace up against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, head coach JJ Redick said that the five-time All-Star will play two of their last three preseason fixtures.

Doncic was rested after an active summer of EuroBasket play for his native Slovenia. The organization wants to be cautious knowing that the former Dallas Mavericks star will carry a heavy workload once the regular season tips off. In the previous season, he suited up for 28 games for the 17-time champions and averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game.

Luka Doncic Opens Up on Los Angeles Lakers’ Mindset in LeBron James’ Absence

While Luka Doncic was rested during the preseason, LeBron James was on the sidelines with nerve irritation in the glute. However, it was later announced that James would miss a few weeks of action due to persistent sciatica. Now that the Lakers don’t have their icon to begin the season, players such as Doncic, Marcus Smart and others will have to step up.

Recently, Doncic discussed his team’s mindset during James’ absence. “It’s a big change,” he said. “He’s a great player. He can help us a lot. But at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be ‘next man up.’ We got a group of guys that have been practicing and hopefully LeBron can join us as soon as possible. We are going to obviously need him. But our mentality has got to be ‘next man up.’ That’s it.”

Luka Doncic on the Lakers playing without LeBron James while he’s sidelined with sciatica: “It’s a big change. He’a a great player. He can help us a lot. But at the end of the day, our mentality needs to be next man up.” pic.twitter.com/z4upADH7pJ
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 11, 2025

Notably, apart from Doncic, Marcus Smart is also expected to make his preseason debut against the Suns. Smart was dealing with minor Achilles tendinopathy and an illness, which delayed him being in action to this point. As for the Gold and Purple brigade, they are slated to be up against the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday and the Sacramento Kings on Friday after Tuesday’s encounter with Phoenix.

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.