Luka Doncic Receives Off-Court Update After Missing Lakers Preseason Games

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 7:42 PM ET

Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers, after disappointing in last season’s playoffs, have officially opened training camp for the 2025-26 NBA season. Doncic, acquired from the Dallas Mavericks at last season’s trade deadline, continued to shine with his new team, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 28 games with the Lakers, on his way to earning a three-year, $165 million contract extension.

Los Angeles has already opened preseason play, falling to Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns on Friday before losing again Sunday to Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Doncic is one of the few players coach JJ Redick has yet to play in the preseason, along with LeBron James and newcomer Marcus Smart.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic during an NBA gameKirby Lee-Imagn Images

Shortly after Doncic signed his extension, news broke that the Slovenian star had traveled to New York City to film an episode of “Hot Ones,” the popular YouTube talk show where celebrity guests answer questions while eating increasingly spicy chicken wings. The show has featured numerous NBA stars, including Curry, Shaquille O'Neal, Kevin Durant and Jaylen Brown.

Despite Doncic’s “Hot Ones” appearance being revealed two months ago, no further details had been shared. Until Monday, when the show’s production company, First We Feast, announced that Doncic will appear in Thursday’s episode, set to be released at 11 a.m. ET.

"This week on #HotOnes, we got Luka Dončić vs. The Wings of Death. Tune in Thursday @ 11AM ET," First We Feast wrote on X.

This week on #HotOnes, we got Luka Dončić vs. The Wings of Death. Tune in Thursday @ 11AM ET ❗ pic.twitter.com/9IzhzRk7FR
— First We Feast (@firstwefeast) October 6, 2025

The Lakers return to action Sunday for their third preseason game, a rematch against Curry and the Warriors. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Redick chooses to rest starters such as Doncic and James again.

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

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