NBA Reacts to Luka Doncic's Performance in Lakers-Suns

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 6:13 AM ET

Luka Doncic debuted for the Lakers, scoring 25 points in a preseason loss to the Suns.
Doncic joined the Lakers last season via a blockbuster trade involving Anthony Davis.
NBA commented on Doncic's performance in his first game of the preseason.

After sitting out the Los Angeles Lakers’ first three games, Luka Doncic finally made his highly anticipated preseason debut for the upcoming 2025-26 campaign. The five-time All-Star took the opportunity to remind the basketball world what they were missing without him as Doncic stole the show in L.A.’s 113-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Doncic was dominant in this one, finishing with 25 points on 7-of-15 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists and four triples in just 22 minutes of action. Despite the 26-year-old’s eye-catching performance, the Lakers still suffered a defeat against the Suns, marking their third loss in four preseason games.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) in action against the Dallas Mavericks. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The upcoming season will be Doncic’s first full campaign with the Lakers. The Slovenian arrived in L.A. in February last year after a blockbuster trade deal with the Dallas Mavericks — one that saw Anthony Davis go in the opposite direction to join the Mavs.

Doncic played 28 games for the Lakers last season following his mid-season trade, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 3.6 triples per game. Doncic, however, was unable to help lead L.A. past the first round of the NBA playoffs, as the Lakers lost to Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves, 4-1.

Doncic now has a full offseason with the Lakers under his belt. There’s a lot of anticipation heading into the new campaign, which is also why fans were tuned in to his preseason debut on Tuesday night.

The Lakers superstar did not disappoint. So much so that even the NBA had to react to his strong performance.

“Luka Dončić SHINED in his @Lakers preseason debut!” the league posted on X, along with a video of Doncic’s best highlights against the Suns.

25 points.
7 rebounds.
4 assists.
4 threes.

Luka Dončić SHINED in his @Lakers preseason debut! pic.twitter.com/in0O2D8w8O
— NBA (@NBA) October 15, 2025

The Lakers, who will be without the injured LeBron James for the first few weeks of the season, will be back in action on Wednesday in another preseason contest. They will battle the Mavs, giving Doncic an opportunity to face his former team.

The Lakers open their season with a matchup against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in a home game at Crypto.com Arena.

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

More must-reads: