Dončić Out At Least First Two Preseason Games

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Luka Dončić will sit out at least the first two preseason games — Friday vs. Phoenix and Sunday at Golden State — as a precaution after his heavy EuroBasket workload. LeBron James will be held out of Friday's opener with nerve irritation in his glute, while Marcus Smart (left Achilles tendinopathy), Maxi Kleber (quad) and rookie Adou Thiero (knee) are unavailable for the opener. The team plans to manage minutes and ramp up stars carefully across a six-game preseason ahead of the Oct. 21 regular-season opener. With several veterans resting, new additions and role players including Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, Gabe Vincent and Nick Smith are expected to get extended opportunities to build chemistry. Dončić's 39-point performance in Slovenia's EuroBasket quarterfinal exit was cited as a reason for the long-term preservation approach.