The Los Angeles Lakers are set to bring some star power back to the court as they prepare for their fourth preseason game, a road matchup against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. After navigating their first three exhibition games without key veterans, the team is ready to see how their newly assembled roster looks with superstar guard Luka Doncic and newly-signed All-Defensive guard Marcus Smart finally suiting up. The duo’s debut is highly anticipated as Los Angeles looks to establish chemistry before the regular season.
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Luka Doncic Set to Lead the Charge
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Head coach JJ Redick confirmed that Doncic will be in the lineup against Phoenix after being held out of prior preseason contests to rest following EuroBasket with Slovenia. “Obviously, it’s a long season ahead,” Doncic said over the weekend. “So just because of that.” At 26 years old, Doncic enters his first full season with the Lakers, carrying expectations as both the present and future of the franchise.
The Slovenian guard impressed in his 28 games since joining LA, averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists while shooting 43.8 percent from the field. Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt praised Doncic’s preseason work: “He’s moving great…he’s being vocal. He’s leading the charge. He’s being everything we need him to be right now.”
Marcus Smart Joins the Fold
Smart, recovering from Achilles tendinopathy, will also make his Lakers debut against the Suns. Redick emphasized the importance of integrating Smart into the lineup cautiously: “We’re still working through what that looks like with the Lakers’ staff and [Smart’s] team.” Smart’s veteran presence on both ends of the floor is expected to bolster the Lakers’ perimeter defense and provide stability in high-pressure situations.
Austin Reaves Continues Strong Preseason
Guard Austin Reaves, who played a key role in LA’s first preseason victory over the Golden State Warriors, will also suit up. Reaves has averaged 20.5 points in 21.7 minutes per game over two preseason appearances and will help provide scoring depth alongside Doncic and Smart.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
Tuesday’s game offers Redick the first chance to experiment with the starting unit that could open the regular season against the Warriors on October 21. With LeBron James sidelined for the start of the season due to sciatica, the Lakers will rely on Doncic, Smart, and Reaves to lead the team. “You want to put your five best players on the court as much as possible,” Redick said, noting that balance and lineup efficiency remain a top priority.
After facing Phoenix, the Lakers conclude preseason against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, giving fans a final glimpse of their rotation before opening night. With Doncic and Smart joining the mix, LA hopes to enter the season fully prepared and ready to contend.
