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Lakers’ Luka Doncic reveals reasoning behind preseason participation strategy
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- Lakers’ Luka Doncic reveals reasoning behind preseason participation strategy
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The post Lakers' Luka Doncic reveals reasoning behind preseason participation strategy appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Since LeBron James is going to miss the start of the 2025-26 season with a nerve issue, Luka Doncic will have to be especially impactful for the Los Angeles Lakers . Following a gradual start to his training camp preparation, the five-time All-NBA First-Team selection is ready to level up.
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Doncic had spent the week logging modified practice sessions before once again becoming a full participant in drills on Saturday. Those who may have had some concerns regarding Doncic's health need not worry. He was merely pacing himself after a busy end to the summer.
"Just because I had national team {duties}," the 26-year-old superstar told media, per Lakers reporter Jovan Buha. "I played one month and something of basketball. So, obviously, it's a long season again. So it's because of that."
Doncic led Slovenia to a solid showing at EuroBasket 2025, but his country lost to eventual champion Germany in the quarterfinals on Sept. 10. The 2024 scoring champion only played 50 regular season games in 2024-25, so it makes sense that he would want to give his body a little time to recover before entering attack mode. LA is trusting him to turn it up a notch now, however, as there are only 10 days until the team begins its campaign against the Golden State Warriors .
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The plan is for Luka Doncic to play in two of the Lakers' four remaining preseason matchups, which will ideally give him a chance to build some in-game chemistry with newcomers like Deandre Ayton , Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia . His leaner frame attracted copious attention during the summer, and fans are excited to see how the emphasis on conditioning will translate to the court.
Los Angeles has tapped him to be the next face of the franchise, and while LeBron James deals with sciatica , he will occupy that role at full force.
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