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7h ago

Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart Set for Lakers Preseason Debuts vs. Suns Tonight

JJ Redick says both will play limited minutes across two of the final three tune-ups.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Quinten Post #21 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a NBA preseason basketball game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Redick said Doncic will debut in Phoenix and appear in two of the final three preseason games with a planned minutes ramp-up in his second outing.
  • Marcus Smart will make his first Lakers appearance after missing three games with Achilles tendinopathy and an illness.
  • LeBron James will miss the start of the regular season with sciatica, leaving Redick to finalize an opening lineup without him.
  • Rookie Chris Mañon sustained a Grade 2 ankle sprain and is very unlikely to play during the preseason, according to Redick.
  • Dallas experimented with a jumbo starting five in a 114-101 win at Utah and faces Los Angeles in Las Vegas on Wednesday, a back-to-back the Lakers are expected to manage for Doncic.