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Doncic (undisclosed) is starting Thursday's preseason game against the Kings, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
Doncic was held out of the second half of a preseason back-to-back Tuesday against Golden State, but he'll return to action Thursday evening. He looked sharp in his preseason debut Monday, dropping 21 points in 16 minutes.
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Lakers' Luka Doncic: Won't play Tuesday
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Doncic (undisclosed) won't play in Tuesday's preseason game against the Warriors, Luca Evans of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Doncic is coming off a solid 21-point outing in Monday's 127-103 preseason win over Sacramento. The veteran is likely getting time off to rest on the second night of a back-to-back, though it's unknown if he will suit up for Thursday's rematch with Sacramento.
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Lakers' Luka Doncic: Racks up 21 points in 16 minutes
Rotowire
Doncic tallied 21 points (5-12 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 8-9 FT), two rebounds, three assists and two steals over 16 minutes in Monday's 127-103 preseason win over the Kings.
Doncic looked fresh in his preseason debut, and despite being limited to one half of play, he still led his team in scoring. Doncic could be headed for a career year as the lead dog in L.A., making him an attractive top-5 target on draft day.
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Lakers' Luka Doncic: Set to stagger with backcourt mate
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Doncic has yet to share the floor with Austin Reaves in scrimmages, and coach JJ Redick said he anticipates staggering the two during the regular season, Jovan Buha of The Athleticreports.
Doncic is set to enter the 2026-27 season healthy after a hamstring injury forced him to miss time down the stretch of the regular season and the entire postseason a year ago. Redick's comments suggest Los Angeles intends to separate on-ball stretches for Doncic and Reaves, while also relying on the likes of Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Bronny James and Jaden Hardy to produce.
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Lakers' Luka Doncic: 'Healthy again'
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Doncic (hamstring) recently stated he is "100% healthy again," Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.
Doncic suffered a hamstring strain on April 2, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2025-2026 regular season and the postseason. However, after taking a "real break from basketball" to rehab, the multi-time All-Star reports he is ready to go. Doncic came as close as ever to capturing his first MVP in 2025-26, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals across 35.8 minutes in 64 regular-season appearances. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, Doncic could be just as productive this season, though durability has been an issue throughout his career.
Doncic (hamstring) is positioned to take on an even larger offensive role after LeBron James' departure from Los Angeles, Dan Woike of The Athletic opines.
The additions of Quentin Grimes, Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili should give the Lakers more shooting, defense and frontcourt balance, but none of the newcomers will replace James' playmaking responsibilities. Doncic should remain the clear engine of the Lakers' offense entering 2026-27, with his usage and assist opportunities likely staying near elite levels.
