Luka Doncic will miss the first two preseason games

On Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers said that Luka Doncic will miss the first two preseason games of the team this weekend.

The Lakers start their six-game preseason on Friday against the Phoenix Suns in Palm Desert and move on Sunday to meet the Golden State Warriors.

Luka Doncic and the performance staff of the Lakers made the decision of resting the 26-year-old star. They referred to his recent EuroBasket appearance and the need to have him concentrate on his long-term health. On Sept. 10, Slovenia, the national team of Doncic, lost in the quarterfinals.

Luka Doncic is not the only star that will be absent. LeBron James (irritation in his glute), Marcus Smart (left Achilles tendinopathy), Maxi Kleber (quad), and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee swelling) also will miss the season opener with Phoenix.

Coach JJ Redick stated that the stars had a long-term solution. James was a non-participant at the beginning of training camp and Redick stated that his preseason workload last year, had possibly lead to his present injury. EuroBasket was the tournament that involved seven games played in two weeks and Doncic had an average of over 33 minutes per game, which was probably a consideration in deciding to give him rest.

It will see the Lakers back to the preseason action with a home game against the Warriors on Sunday, Oct. 12. Whether or not Doncic and James will play alongside each other before the regular season starts on Oct. 21 is uncertain.

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