Is Luka Doncic Set to Make His Preseason Debut This Sunday? Here’s What We Know
The anticipation surrounding Luka Doncic’s preseason debut is palpable as fans eagerly await updates. The talented guard is expected to participate in a game for the Lakers, but the exact timing remains uncertain. Despite practicing fully on Saturday, Lakers’ coach JJ Redick commented that Doncic’s status for Sunday’s exhibition against the Golden State Warriors is still to be determined.
Doncic’s Preseason Outlook
Austin Reaves is confirmed to play, and Marcus Smart will also see his first action of the preseason. The Lakers have a total of six preseason games scheduled, with three taking place after the matchup against the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.
Doncic’s Comments on Playing Time
Following practice, Doncic was non-committal about when he would take the court. “I don’t know yet,” he remarked. “We got to talk about it — JJ and my team.” However, he expressed optimism, suggesting he might participate in two preseason games.
Impact of LeBron James’s Absence
The Lakers face a significant challenge with LeBron James out due to a diagnosed sciatica nerve issue on his right side. James, who will be re-evaluated in approximately three to four weeks, was a vital player for the team, especially after a successful partnership with Doncic following a high-profile trade last February.
Doncic’s Perspective on Team Dynamics
- “It’s a big change,” Doncic stated regarding James’s absence.
- He emphasized the need for team resilience, saying, “our mentality needs to be next man up.”
Even with James sidelined, Doncic will have support from teammates like Reaves, Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jared Vanderbilt. Nonetheless, he understands that he may need to increase his performance level to maintain the team’s competitiveness.
Building Team Chemistry Despite Challenges
While James has not practiced, Doncic believes that maintaining off-court chemistry is crucial for the team’s success. “It’s not everything about on the court,” he remarked. “It’s about chemistry off the court, too.” He noted that the two have continued to communicate and strategize during practices.
Coach Redick’s Insights on Team Preparation
Coach Redick mentioned that the team was aware of James’s nerve irritation during the summer. He confirmed that James has been engaging in individual workouts but has not been able to practice with the team. Redick stated that this situation hasn’t affected his game planning going into the season.
As the season opener against the Warriors approaches on October 21, the Lakers’ lineup remains a work in progress. Redick acknowledged that the absence of James poses challenges but is a reality the team must adapt to.
In summary, as Luka Doncic approaches his preseason debut, the Lakers navigate their circumstances without LeBron James. With a focus on resilience and teamwork, Doncic and the Lakers aim to remain competitive in the upcoming games.
