Los Angeles Lakers superstar point guard Luka Dončić reflected on his first preseason game with the team ahead of the 2025-26 NBA regular season, which starts on October 21, 2025. The Slovenian made his preseason debut on Tuesday in a game against the Phoenix Suns at PHX Arena in Arizona.
Dončić was on the court for only 22 minutes in the preseason game, but those were enough for the Slovenian to showcase his class and skill set to the fans and the league. Dončić ended the game with 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Although the Lakers lost the game 113-104, the Slovenian getting back on the court in the iconic gold and purple jersey was the day’s highlight.
What Did Luka Dončić Say About His First Preseason Game?
Reflecting on his first preseason game in a press conference on Tuesday, Dončić said, “I felt great. That was probably better than I expected. Those first games are kind of rusty, but I was just very happy to be out there again… Just getting out there and playing basketball for me is amazing. I missed it. I think you can see that. … I’m just happy to be on the basketball court again.”
Stop whatever records you thought were safe.
Luka Doncic is competing with the ghosts of the game’s greatest polymaths.
We’re only seven seasons into his career, and the statistical truth is already staggering:
He has six seasons averaging the ultra-elite line of 25 Points,… pic.twitter.com/9R5pAaXcnB
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 16, 2025
There is little doubt that Dončić has an incredible aura on court; his stats from the past seven years speak for themselves. The five-time NBA All-Star led the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA Finals for the first time in more than a decade during the 2023-24 NBA season, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.
But since getting traded to the Lakers in February, the Slovenian has raised the fans’ and the city’s hopes. They envision Dončić pairing up with one of the league’s most excellent, LeBron James, to bring home the NBA championship for the first time since 2020. Such is Dončić’s talent that Lakers HC JJ Redick never gets tired of praising the Slovenian star.
What Did the Lakers HC Say About Dončić After His First Preseason Game?
In the postgame press conference after Tuesday’s preseason game against the Suns, Redick praised Dončić and stated that he was happy to see the Slovenian star back on court.
Read More: ‘Always Going To Be Something’ – Luka Dončić Makes Feelings Clear on Facing Mavericks
Redick said, “He has an ability to do what I would call it, like, silly stuff, but still be locked in. It’s important to him that basketball is fun. He’s at play. And that’s part of what makes him great… I think by being in a clearer headspace, and by that I mean just mentally and emotionally in balance, it allows you the freedom to just be yourself.”
The Lakers play their last preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday before hosting the Warriors at Staples Center for the opening night of the new season on October 21, 2025.
