Are LeBron James and Luka Doncic playing today for Lakers vs Mavericks in the NBA preseason?

The Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Dallas Mavericks in a key NBA preseason matchup. The Purple and Gold are looking to bounce back from a 1–3 preseason record, while Dallas aims to build on its 2–1 start. The biggest question heading into tonight’s game: Will LeBron James and Luka Doncic suit up?

After sitting out the Lakers’ first three preseason games, Luka Doncic returned to action in the team’s recent 113–104 loss to the Phoenix Suns. The Slovenian star looked sharp, posting 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in just 22 minutes of play.

There had been plenty of speculation about how Doncic would perform in his first full season with the Lakers, especially after his offseason conditioning and noticeable physical transformation. But it took him only a brief appearance to remind everyone what he’s capable of ahead of the new NBA campaign.

On the other hand, LeBron James — the NBA’s all-time leading scorer — has yet to see any preseason action as he continues to deal with sciatica on his right side, an issue that is expected to keep him sidelined for a while longer.

Luka Doncic talks with Jordan Goodwin during the NBA preseason game. (Getty Images)

Will James and Doncic play tonight vs Mavericks?

LeBron James will not be available for tonight’s preseason matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers superstar continues to recover from sciatica on his right side, an issue that is expected to sideline him for approximately three to four weeks, causing him to miss the start of the regular season.

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As the Slovenian, the expectation is that Luka Doncic could play tonight against his former team. “It’s obviously gonna be something,” Doncic told reporters after the Lakers’ recent loss to the Suns. “Obviously, I’m going to feel something every game I play against them. I’m kind of starting a new chapter here… I don’t know how it will go”.

However, head coach JJ Redick previously indicated that Doncic would only appear in two preseason games. Since this contest comes on the second night of a back-to-back, there’s a possibility he’ll rest tonight against the Mavericks to manage his workload and return for the final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on October 17.