After weeks of buildup, speculation, and overanalyzing practice clips, Luka Doncic is set to make his Lakers preseason debut against the Phoenix Suns.
It’s just preseason on paper — but in reality, it feels bigger. With LeBron James sidelined, this debut becomes a preview of what the Lakers might look like when Luka is fully running the show.
The Build-Up
JJ Redick confirmed that Doncic will suit up Tuesday night in Phoenix after sitting out the team’s first three preseason games. Fans have been counting down the days, waiting to see how the newest face of the franchise looks leading this new group.
The fans have been living off of crumbs — watching practice clips and getting second-hand information on how Luka looks with the team. Now comes the moment when we actually get to see what he looks like under real-world conditions.
Luka in Command
With LeBron out, the ball will live in Luka’s hands — exactly how Redick’s offense is designed. He’ll be calling sets, reading defenses, and setting the pace on his terms.
That’s the draw of this new-look Lakers team: Redick wants to build around Luka’s cerebral style — heavy on spacing, reads, and ball movement. Expect possessions to feel deliberate, with Luka creating matchups and mismatches until someone breaks.
The supporting cast around him — Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt — will get their first real run in Luka’s orbit. How quickly they adjust to his tempo will reveal a great deal about where this offense is headed.
What to Watch
Can the Lakers maintain spacing when Luka slows things down? Can Smart and Reaves strike the right balance as secondary playmakers? And can this group defend with the necessary energy to cover up Luka’s weaknesses?
Those answers won’t show up in a box score, but they’ll matter once the real season starts. These are the kinds of reps that build trust and chemistry — two things the Lakers have spent all offseason preaching.
The Bigger Picture
Tuesday night isn’t just Luka Doncic’s debut — it’s a glimpse at the Lakers’ next evolution.
LeBron’s absence means Luka’s in full control, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s a sneak peek into what the future could look like when the offense fully belongs to him.
For now, it’s just preseason. But when Luka finally steps onto that court in purple and gold, it’ll feel like more than that. It’ll feel like the beginning of something the Lakers and their fans have been waiting for.
