Luka Doncic said he was happy to be back on the court after a lengthy break from competitive basketball as the Los Angeles Lakers opened their preseason with a 127-103 win over the Sacramento Kings.
Doncic scored 21 points in 16 minutes, shooting 5-of-12 from the field and 3-of-9 from three-point range. He also had three assists, two rebounds and two steals as the Lakers built a 73-47 halftime lead.
“It felt great,” Doncic said of his return. “I think we all had fun out there, especially Matisse and Ziaire. Just that beginning of the game just started, you know, that’s contagious for everybody.”
Doncic highlighted the defensive energy provided by Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, who both started alongside him. Thybulle finished with six points and two steals, while Williams scored 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting and went 3-of-3 from three-point range.
“The way they start the game, the way they play defense, use their hands, it’s one of the best that I’ve seen,” Doncic said. “Just being teammates with them, going against them, makes us better and makes them better. It’s just really fun to have them on the team.”
The Lakers entered the game without Austin Reaves, Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, but Doncic was encouraged by how the new-look roster performed.
“I think we had, what, four or five practices, and I think today we show that we can play really good, especially going from defense to offense,” he said. “But I feel like we have so much more improvement left that I’m very happy to be part of this team.”
Doncic also emphasized that the team’s development should not be viewed solely through his own fit.
“I think it’s just not just about me,” he said. “I think fitting standards is just not about me, but how the team feels playing together.”
The game marked Doncic’s return to competitive action after he opted not to play for Slovenia during the offseason. He acknowledged how much he had missed basketball during the five- to six-month break.
“I missed a lot, you know, I said basketball is one of the best things in my life and I missed a lot,” Doncic said. “It’s been five, six months, I think. You know and being back for the games, being competitive, you know, it’s just a lot of fun for me and I’m really happy to be back.”
Without national team competition, Doncic said his offseason training did not change dramatically, although he felt more rested. He found other ways to maintain his competitive edge, including golf, basketball workouts, games and playing cards.
“Just, you know, not much, just been competitive every day,” he said.
Doncic now has his first preseason game behind him and believes the Lakers have plenty of room to improve as they continue building chemistry.
“I think today we show that we can play really good,” Doncic said. “But I feel like we have so much more improvement left.”
