Luka Doncic’s fire and competitiveness were on full display in the Los Angeles Lakers’ final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, and head coach JJ Redick got a firsthand look at it. In a tense fourth quarter that came down to the final possession, Doncic refused to leave the floor when Redick tried to sub him out, insisting he wanted to finish what he started.
The Lakers ultimately fell 117-116, but Doncic’s performance was electric. In 32 minutes of action, he tallied 31 points, five rebounds, and nine assists on 8 of 16 shooting, once again showing the complete command of pace and poise that has made him one of the game’s most dominant offensive forces.
His chemistry with Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes continues to develop, and with LeBron James sidelined until mid-November due to lingering nerve issues, Doncic looks ready to shoulder the entire load for the Purple and Gold.
The moment that defined the night, however, came midway through the fourth quarter. With just over five minutes left and the game tied, Redick called for a timeout and motioned for Doncic to take a seat to avoid unnecessary risk before the regular season opener.
Doncic wasn’t having it. The 26-year-old waved off his coach and stayed in the game, gesturing toward the bench as if to say, ‘I’ve got this.’
Luka shaking his head to JJ Reddick because he didn’t want to get subbed out 🤣 pic.twitter.com/CaijldYZxO
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) October 18, 2025
Redick, in his second year as head coach, allowed the veteran star to play on but was visibly cautious, urging him to take fewer risks on drives.
That kind of defiance might raise eyebrows on some teams, but for the Lakers, it was a glimpse of Doncic’s relentless mentality, something that has already endeared him to the fan base. He’s entering his first full season in Los Angeles after being traded midseason from the Dallas Mavericks, and early signs suggest that he’s already the emotional leader of the team.
Doncic’s decision to keep playing came on the heels of a strong preseason overall. In his debut, he poured in 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in just 22 minutes against the Phoenix Suns. Even then, he looked sharp and well-conditioned, having slimmed down over the offseason while leading Slovenia at EuroBasket.
The Lakers have praised his focus and fitness, noting that his energy has set a tone for the locker room.
Friday night’s loss may not have mattered in the standings, but it highlighted just how crucial Doncic will be in the opening stretch of the season. With LeBron out, Redick will rely heavily on Doncic’s scoring, playmaking, and leadership to keep the team afloat.
Fans loved the passion. After the game, social media buzzed with clips of Doncic greeting supporters and signing autographs before tip-off.
As the Lakers prepare for their season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, one thing is clear: Luka Doncic has already taken ownership of the team. He’s not just the Lakers’ best player right now; he’s their heartbeat.
And if his refusal to sit down in a meaningless preseason game is any indication, Los Angeles might be in for a thrilling ride this year.
