The real reason Lakers ruled out Luka Doncic for Warriors game after 2026 preseason debut

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic will not participate in the team’s second 2026 preseason game against the Golden State Warriors.

Doncic put on a show in his preseason debut, scoring 21 points in the first half against the Sacramento Kings before being benched for the rest of the clash.

Doncic seemed to look as healthy as he has been in years to start the game, coming in at his lightest since his rookie season. However, it seems the 27-year-old still has some problems to deal with.

Luka Doncic ruled out of Warriors game after limping in preseason debut

Lakers head coach JJ Redick ruled Doncic out of the Lakers’ October 6 preseason clash against the Warriors, alongside Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Austin Reaves, Collin Sexton, and Walker Kessler.

This status has already raised alarm bells after Doncic left their preseason opener against the Kings on October 5 while holding his right hamstring and visibly limping and grimacing.

The real reason Lakers ruled out

The extensive injury list for this game has given multiple low-end rotational players to get a big opportunity and prove their worth for the regular season with the Lakers.

Bronny James got to start alongside new signing Quentin Grimes in the backcourt, while Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht have gotten an opportunity to shine off the bench.

Nonetheless, the Lakers likely did not want to roll the dice with Doncic picking up an injury in preseason, so it’s best that they responded by benching him for a no-stakes back-to-back game.

With players like Max Strus and Ariel Hukporti already picking up major injuries in these preseason clashes, the Lakers cannot afford to potentially lose Doncic, who averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds last season.

He is expected to embrace an even bigger offensive role for the team in the 2026-27 season with a revamped roster and no LeBron James, so his limping in preseason is not a great sign.

It remains to be seen if the Lakers will just have Doncic sit out the rest of preseason to ensure he is 100% healthy for the Lakers’ opening night clash against the Warriors on October 21.

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