Luka Doncic will debut on Tuesday in the Lakers vs Suns preseason
Doncic missed the Lakers’ 1-2 start to the preseason, looking to ease his workload following his participation in EuroBasket.
EL SEGUNDO, California — Luka Doncic will debut in the preseason when the Los Angeles Lakers play as visitors Tuesday against the Phoenix Sunsas announced by coach JJ Redick.
Doncic He missed the 1-2 preseason start Los Angelessince the Lakers look to ease the 26-year-old star’s workload following his month-long commitment to the national team Slovenia in the EuroBasket.
After the match against the Sunsthe Lakers complete their six-game preseason schedule with a game in Las Vegas against the Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Maverickson Wednesday and a home game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday.
Redick indicated that Doncic he would also play against the Mavs or the Kings. It stands to reason that the Kings game is more likely, considering the Mavs game is being played on the second night of a back-to-back.
Redick He indicated that he will work with the physical trainer of DoncicJavy Barrio, to determine how long he will play Doncicbut the Lakers They will prefer caution in phoenix.
“I would say that there will most likely be a gradual increase in minutes of Luke between the first and second game,” he said. Redick. “We are still talking to Javy and Luke about what makes sense.”
When asked how he planned to use DoncicRedick responded seriously: “Give him the ball.”
Marcus Smart, who has been out for the first three preseason games due to Achilles tendinopathy, will also make his debut for the Lakers in Phoenix, according to Redick. The coach added that Austin Reaves will also play against the Suns.
With the opening game against the Golden State Warriors just over a week away from next Tuesday, Redick noted that he has yet to define his starting lineup. LeBron James will be out for at least another two to three weeks with sciatica on his right side before being re-evaluated.
“We want to put our five best players on the court as long as possible. We also want there to be balance in each lineup. When we calculate substitutions: Who is going to defend? Who is going to create? Will we have enough shooting? So we do it with every lineup we put in, including the starter,” he said Redick.
“We’re still working on it, and obviously losing LeBron for the start of the year complicates things a little bit. So we have a week to figure it out, and I think it will reveal itself to us.”
