By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Luka Doncic made his anticipated return on Monday. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to victory over the Sacramento Kings to open the NBA Preseason 2026 schedule.
He played only 16 minutes in the first half but looked entirely energized. The Slovenian superstar paced his side with 21 points. His efficiency set a tone for the roster.
After the final buzzer at Golden 1 Center, he shared his excitement about playing again following the summer break and the premature ending to his 2025–26 journey due to injury.
“I felt great,” Doncic mentioned in the postgame press conference. “Basketball is one of the best things in my life, and I missed it a lot. It’s been five, six months, I think. Being back for the games, being competitive is just a lot of fun for me, and I’m really happy to be back.”
Return to the floor
The Ljubljana native altered his usual summer routine ahead of this 2026–27 campaign. He skipped international duties with Slovenia. This gave him a chance to rest and focus on his physical conditioning.
“I didn’t change much,” he described his offseason approach. “Probably a little bit more rested. I did not play with the national team, so that was the difference.”
With the Lakers focused on full-court pressure from the top of the training camp, Doncic pointed to his teammates’ perimeter activity against the Kings. He labeled Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle as ‘contagious’ and ‘inspirational’ in defense.
“I think the whole team had a lot of fun,” he said of the Lakers starting the exhibition slate.
Building toward opening night
Furthermore, Doncic remains focused on collective chemistry over individual success. He knows the squad still has room to grow.
“It’s not just about me, but how the team feels playing together,” he stressed. “We showed that we can play really good, especially going from defense to offense, but I feel we have so much improvement left. I’m really happy to be part of this team.”
Up next, the Lakers visit the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco on Tuesday. Following three more preseason games between Thursday and next Friday, they open the Regular Season against the Warriors at crypto.com Arena on October 21.
Make 
Your Preferred Basketball Source.
Add Eurohoops to Google