Veteran center Kevon Looney didn't hold back in explaining what Luka Doncic does for the Los Angeles Lakers, even in the preseason. Without LeBron James, Doncic's determined to have a bounce-back season in 2026-27. Especially when Luka is healthy while gearing up for the regular season.
Looney discussed how Doncic on the floor impacts the rest of the Lakers' mindset, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
“When you got a guy like Luka [Doncic] going into the game, you feel like you can beat anybody,” Looney said. “He's going to be the best player on the court, probably every night we're out there. We feel like if we do our job, he’ll do his job and finish the game. He's one of the best closers in the league. So, we have the utmost confidence in him.”
“When you got a guy like Luka [Doncic], going into the game you feel like you can beat anybody … We feel like if we do our job, he’s going to do his job and he’s going to clinch us the game”
– Kevon Looney 🗣️
(via @mcten) pic.twitter.com/e4rHLmwIyp
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 10, 2026
Luka Doncic led Kevon Looney and the Lakers with 21 points, including 8-of-9 from the free-throw line, three assists, and two steals in their preseason opener against the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers topped the Kings 127-103 before Los Angeles gave Doncic the night off on the second night of a back-to-back against the Golden State Warriors.
Article Continues BelowThe Warriors defeated the Lakers 124-98 before the Lakers defeated the Kings a second time on Thursday. Doncic led the team with 23 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal in a 114-110 win. Sandro Mamukelashvili led the bench with 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting, including three triples, four assists, one steal, and one block. Jake LaRavia added 17 points, and four rebounds.
The Lakers will host the Warriors in a preseason rematch on Tuesday.