Luka Doncic, Lakers Development Emerges on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Elie Deglaoui | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 3:53 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has yet to play for the team through three preseason games. However, reports on Monday surfaced that suggest this will change as the Slovenian native is set to make his preseason debut against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. This will mark Doncic's first-ever preseason game as a member of the Lakers.

"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," ESPN's Dave McMenamin wrote on X.

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

Doncic has not played in the preseason yet as Los Angeles has opted to rest him after he participated in EuroBasket 2025. Given how important he is going to be for the team this season, it makes sense for the Lakers to play it as safely as possible with him and manage his workload.

During EuroBasket 2025, the 26-year-old averaged 33.3 minutes in seven games. This was the third-highest mark, behind Nikola Vucevic of Montenegro (33.9) and Tryggvi Hlinason of Iceland (33.6).

It remains to be seen exactly how much Doncic will play for the Lakers during the rest of the preseason. However, because of how safe the team played it earlier on, he will likely be on some sort of minutes restriction.

A Lot of Eyes Will Be on Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers This Season

Ahead of his first full season with the Lakers, Doncic will take on one of the biggest roles of his NBA career so far. This is especially true since star teammate LeBron James is dealing with a glute injury that will sideline him for the start of the regular season.

Last season, the Lakers finished with a 50-32 record and earned the No. 3 seed in the West. Once again, Los Angeles has high expectations and could compete for a championship this season. In order for the team to reach its full potential, they need their stars as healthy as possible, and this especially includes Doncic.

The five-time All-Star played just 28 games for the Lakers last season. However, even in that short time, he already gave the fanbase a lot to be excited about.

During that span, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals. Additionally, he shot 43.8% from the field and 37.9% from deep.

Doncic is already showcasing exactly what he brings to the table for the Lakers. Now, he and the team will get to see him in action for a full season for the first time.

Once James returns, the two of them will make up arguably the most dangerous duo in the NBA today. Until then, though, a lot of pressure will be on Doncic to keep Los Angeles competitive as it looks to establish itself as a contender in the West.

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

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