NBA Notes: Lakers, Luka Doncic, Clippers, TyTy Washington, Pelicans

Lakers

The Lakers will finally roll out their full lineup Tuesday night, as Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart are both set to make their preseason debuts against the Suns, coach JJ Redick told reporters, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Redick said both veterans will play in two of L.A.’s final three preseason games, likely sitting out Wednesday’s back-to-back in Dallas before returning Friday against Sacramento.

Doncic hasn’t been hurt — just managed carefully after a busy summer playing for Slovenia at EuroBasket 2025. He’ll be on a minutes restriction against Phoenix.

Forward Jarred Vanderbilt said Doncic has looked sharp in practice.

“He’s moving great,” Vanderbilt said, via Khobi Price of the Orange County Register. “He’s vocal, he’s leading, and he’s being everything we need him to be. You can tell he’s starting to build that chemistry and momentum for the season.”

Smart, meanwhile, was originally slated to return Sunday against the Warriors but was pushed back a few days while working through both Achilles soreness and a stomach bug.

Second-year forward Dalton Knecht has also drawn attention this week.

Redick praised Knecht’s offensive game after inserting him into Sunday’s starting lineup, where he scored 16 points.

“His ceiling depends on his growth as a defender,” Redick said. “He’s a big-time shooter, and he’s bought into developing on both ends.”

Clippers

The Clippers re-signed TyTy Washington Jr. and waived John Poulakidas, as relayed by The Athletic’s Law Murray.

Washington, a former first-round pick, returns after being waived in late September. His Exhibit 10 deal could again funnel him toward the G League’s Ontario Clippers.

Poulakidas, a 6-foot-5 guard out of Yale, impressed in college as a 40.8% three-point shooter and may also be a G League candidate.

Pelicans

New Orleans briefly added Chase Hunter and Josh Oduro on Exhibit 10 contracts before waiving both, per NBA.com’s transaction log.

Hunter, a six-year Clemson veteran and First-Team All-ACC selection, averaged 16.5 points on strong shooting splits last season and left as the Tigers’ third all-time scorer.

Oduro, a 6-foot-9 forward from Providence, averaged 12.9 points and 6.6 boards in 148 college appearances and was with the Pelicans last camp as well.

Both are likely to end up with the Birmingham Squadron, New Orleans’ G League affiliate.