NBA
Lakers To Sit Luka Doncic For First 2 Preseason Games
James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.
All posts by James FoglioUpdated1 hour ago on October 04, 2025
Luka Doncic will not play in the Los Angeles Lakers’ first two preseason games this weekend, the team announced Friday. The Lakers tip off their six-game preseason slate Friday against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert.
Los Angeles will then play a road game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. The Purple and Gold are also scheduled to host the Warriors (Oct. 12) and visit Phoenix again (Oct. 14).
Lakers To Rest Luka Doncic After His EuroBasket Participation
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the decision to hold Doncic out was made by the five-time All-Star guard and the Lakers’ performance team, “taking into consideration his EuroBasket participation.”
Los Angeles will also be without LeBron James (nerve irritation in his glute), Marcus Smart (left Achilles tendinopathy), Maxi Kleber (quad), and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee swelling) against Phoenix.
In August, Doncic agreed to a three-year, $165 million maximum contract extension, with a player option in 2028. The new deal keeps the 26-year-old out of free agency next summer.
Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the five-time All-NBA member could opt out of his three-year contract in 2028 and sign a new deal for 35% of the salary cap, which projects to five years and $417 million.
Luka Doncic on what constitutes success in the preseason: “I don’t know the answer to that one. That’s the first time anybody asked me that” pic.twitter.com/mUcis9D0wr
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 2, 2025
In doing so, Doncic would recoup all the money lost when he was traded by the Dallas Mavericks, with whom he had been eligible to sign a five-year, $315 million supermax extension this summer.
“I’m really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one,” Doncic said in a statement.
“This is an amazing organization, and I truly believe in what we’re building together. I’m going to keep working as hard as I can to bring another championship to Los Angeles and to make Laker Nation proud.
“This is just the beginning. I’m excited for what’s ahead and to keep building something special with this team.”
Doncic Led Lakers In Points, Rebounds Last Season
The Lakers acquired Doncic from the Mavs for Anthony Davis eight months ago in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. It was the biggest acquisition for L.A. since trading for Kobe Bryant in 1996.
In 28 games (all starts) with the Lakers last season, Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 35.1 minutes per contest while shooting 43.8% from the field and 37.9% from beyond the arc.
He also led L.A. in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and 3-pointers per game.
While Doncic makes the Lakers an automatic playoff contender, they did lose Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets in free agency.
However, the Lakers were able to sign Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia this offseason. Jaxson Hayes also reached a one-year deal to return to L.A.
LeBron James also exercised his $52.6 million player option for the upcoming campaign. This is part of the two-year, $101.4 million contract he signed with the team last July.
The Lakers host the Warriors on Oct. 21 to open their 2025-26 season.
