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Lakers Announce Luka Doncic Update Before NBA Preseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 3:15 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic is heading into his first full season with the organization. The 26-year-old guard has had a busy offseason, undergoing a major physical transformation to get into shape, playing in EuroBasket for Slovenia and signing a three-year, $165 million contract extension to stay in the purple and gold long-term.

Doncic will be expected to facilitate the offense for Los Angeles, with Austin Reaves and LeBron James to shoulder some of the offensive load around him. Over 28 regular-season appearances for the Lakers last year, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game while shooting 43.8 percent from the floor and 37.9 percent from 3-point range.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

As the Lakers prepare for the 2025–26 season opener on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors, their preseason slate begins Friday night against the Phoenix Suns. Several players have already been ruled out, including LeBron James, Marcus Smart and Maxi Kleber. On Friday, the team added Luka Doncic to the list of inactives for both weekend games due to his summer workload.

“Lakers say Luka Doncic will not play in this weekend’s preseason games (tonight vs. Suns; Sunday at Warriors). The decision was a collaborative one with the team's performance after Luka's EuroBasket run with Slovenia this summer,” wrote Khobi Price of Southern California News Group.

Lakers say Luka Doncic will not play in this weekend’s preseason games (tonight vs. Suns; Sunday at Warriors).

The decision was a collaborative one with the team's performance after Luka's EuroBasket run with Slovenia this summer.
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) October 3, 2025

Doncic led Slovenia to the EuroBasket semifinals in August, averaging 34.7 points, 7.1 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game. He logged heavy minutes throughout the tournament, including a 39-point performance against France before his team was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Doncic, who has the third-best odds to win MVP at +400 on ESPN Bet, will anchor a revamped roster built around his playmaking and scoring versatility. Expectations are high for his first full year in Los Angeles.

The Lakers will lean on his ability to control pace, create mismatches and elevate teammates — especially with James managing minutes and Smart sidelined early. If Doncic stays healthy and maintains his efficiency, he could lead the league in usage rate and push the Lakers into serious contention in a loaded Western Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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