Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters – including Dave McMenamin of ESPN and Khobi Price of The Southern California News Group – that Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart will make their preseason debuts for the Lakers on Tuesday against the Suns.
Redick added that both will play in two of the team’s last three preseason games. Since Wednesday’s matchup with Dallas is on a back-to-back, McMenamin noted they’ll likely suit up again Friday versus Sacramento.
Doncic hasn’t been hurt, but the Lakers have been cautious after he spent part of the offseason competing for Slovenia in EuroBasket 2025. Redick said he’ll be on a minutes limit against Phoenix.
Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt said Doncic has looked sharp in workouts.
“He’s moving great,” Vanderbilt said Monday. “Everything that I’ve seen from him, like, he’s being vocal. He’s leading the charge, he’s being everything we need him to be right now.
“We’re happy to have him out there right now during this week, him getting some good practices and running with us, and just starting to build that momentum towards the regular season.”
Smart was originally set to play against the Warriors on Sunday, but his debut was delayed as he dealt with Achilles tendinopathy and a stomach illness during camp.
Lakers Notes: Luka, Smart, Knecht, Ayton, Manon, Kleber https://t.co/YqNMwQavd1 pic.twitter.com/ffSAJKKS5L
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 14, 2025
