The Los Angeles Lakers welcomed Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart to their lineup for the first time this preseason when they played the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Through two quarters and change, when their regulars were on the court,

The Los Angeles Lakers are taking it easy this preseason. In fairness, LA has an extensive, six-game preseason slate, including two back-to-back games this week

Luka Doncic is already giving Lakers fans plenty to chant about. After all, MVP chants filled the arena Friday night as the star guard poured in 49 points in a win over the Timberwolves, giving him 92 through his first two games.

Luka Doncic had a dominant first half and Marcus Smart returned from his injury as the Lakers lose in the preseason.

The Phoenix Suns were a bit jet-lagged, it first appeared. Those who played certainly were not. Several key members sat out for the preseason finale against the Lakers. It was, at the very least, a great chance for young guys and fringe guys to showcase their skills and make a case for minutes or a roster spot.

JJ Redick said in a media scrum on Monday that the plan is for Doncic to play against the Suns in what will be Phoenix’s final preseason game. Doncic had his share of battles with Phoenix while playing for the Dallas Mavericks, with the Game 7 beatdown of the Suns in the 2022 Western Conference semifinals the most epic.