Dave McMenaminOct 4, 2025, 04:52 AM
CloseLakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.
Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.
PALM DESERT, Calif. — 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. Then they play a road game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
The decision to hold the 26-year-old star was made by Doncic and the Lakers’ performance team, taking into consideration his EuroBasket participation and wanting to keep the long term in mind.
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.