On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers were compelled to complete the second half of their game without Luka Dončić. Their primary concern is that this brief absence will be the only one.
Dončić departed the matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers due to what appeared to be a leg ailment, with an official announcement later confirming his unavailability for the remainder of the contest. The Lakers characterized the issue as discomfort in his left leg. This incident took place during the second quarter, following a step-back move away from the basket, which prompted Dončić to grasp his hamstring.
Dončić did not react favorably to the situation.
Dončić concluded his participation in the game having accumulated 10 points from 3 successful attempts out of 10, alongside 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 turnovers.
Following the game, Lakers head coach JJ Redick stated that Dončić experienced “some discomfort in his hamstring,” leading the team’s medical personnel to decide against his continued play. The full extent of the issue is expected to be clarified by scans shortly, although Dončić was observed departing the arena with a noticeable limp.
Dončić had largely maintained his health throughout the current season, participating in 42 of the Lakers’ scheduled matches. His most extended period away from play occurred earlier in the season, when he sat out three games due to a sprained finger and a bruised leg.
This recent setback occurs at a critical juncture for the Lakers, a team that began the contest positioned sixth in the Western Conference, holding a mere one-game advantage over the seventh-ranked Phoenix Suns. Following an impressive opening, their performance has fluctuated considerably since early December, yet they had anticipated a boost from the comeback of Austin Reaves, who had been sidelined for over a month due to a calf strain.
Consequently, their only recourse is to wish that this incident does not signal the beginning of another star player’s unavailability.
