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Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Dallas Mavericks in a highly anticipated preseason matchup tonight in Las Vegas. JJ Redick’s team is coming off a recent loss to the Phoenix Suns, where they fell short with a score of 113-104 in Arizona. However, all attention is on their point guard, Luka Doncic, who made his preseason debut after missing the team’s first three exhibition games. Now, he will be facing off against his former team. The big question remains: Will Doncic play tonight?
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Well, the 26-year-old guard announced himself to the league with a thumping individual performance. Despite the loss, Doncic put up a staggering 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in just 22 minutes of action. Although there were many questions around what he’ll look like with this being his first full year with the Lakers, it’s safe to say the Slovenian superstar answered all of them in just a single game. However, after the game, everyone wanted to know if he would be playing back-to-back games. To which Luka gave an emotional reply.
“It’s obviously gonna be something,” Doncic told the reporters. “Obviously, I’m going to feel something every game I play against them. I am kind of starting a new chapter here… I don’t know how it will go.” The five-time All-NBA guard’s statement indicated that he’ll be available for tonight’s back-to-back clash against the Mavericks. However, nothing can be confirmed just yet, given that the Lakers have been extremely cautious with Doncic’s fitness.
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Although it seems like Luka is willing to play against his old employers, he might not be allowed to. That’s because JJ Redick has already confirmed that the Slovenian will only play 2 exhibition games, out of which he’s already played one last night. So, they would like to ease their superstar in, and might not be willing to play him in back-to-back games. Instead, Redick and Co. might prefer letting him clock in minutes in their preseason finale. Nonetheless, while Doncic’s status remains a mystery, why don’t we take a look at the rest of the LA stars?
The Lakers’ injury report for their clash against the Dallas Mavericks
While Luka Doncic’s availability hangs in the balance, several other Los Angeles Lakers stars are all but confirmed to miss this colossal clash. The most notable name among them is, of course, LeBron James, who has been ruled out for the preseason. This came after the 40-year-old suffered a sciatica injury recently. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. More players will be alongside the Akron Hammer, as the Purple & Gold lock horns with Cooper Flagg and Co.
Adou Thiero is one of them. The forward will be missing tonight’s game after suffering a knee injury, due to which he’ll be out for at least two to three weeks. However, Los Angeles injury woes don’t end with LeBron James and Thiero. That’s because Maxi Kleber has been limited by a quadriceps issue but has participated in stay-ready scrimmages and remains day-to-day. Lastly, Chris Manon has also sustained a Grade 2 ankle sprain and won’t play any of the upcoming preseason games, as per ESPN.
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Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
This means head coach JJ Redick will be without a lot of his key players tonight. Well, even though that’s not great news, it could prompt him to give Luka Doncic some gametime tonight. That’ll be something to watch out for, sure. Nonetheless, that’s mere speculation for now. Meanwhile, now that you know who’s in and who’s out for this huge preseason matchup, don’t you want to know where to watch this game live? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Where and when to watch the Lakers vs the Mavericks preseason game?
Tonight’s game should be a star-studded affair if everything goes well for both teams. This will add an extra layer of excitement around this preseason tie, alongside the Luka Doncic storyline. So, here’s all you need to know about the game.
Date: Wednesday, 15th October
When: 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT
Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
TV: ESPN, Fubo TV, NBA TV
So, the stage is set, and now the only question that remains is who will come out on top tonight. Well, a lot of it will, without a doubt will depend on Luka Doncic’s status. More so, after what he did last night against Phoenix. So, the Lakers should be the favorites if he suits up tonight. However, even with him, it won’t be easy for the Purple & Gold.
That’s because Dallas rookie superstar Cooper Flagg has been impressive so far, and even Anthony Davis has started firing in full swing. So, even though the Lakers are much more fit than Dallas, the Mavs should be comfortable if Luka Doncic doesn’t play. But either way, this should be a great watch, that’s for sure.
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