The Los Angeles Lakers have been navigating a rough patch this season when it comes to injuries, and the hits just keep coming. After already dealing with extended absences from LeBron James and Austin Reaves, the team now finds itself without Luka Doncic, who’s set to miss his fourth straight game due to a hamstring strain.
Doncic won’t suit up for Thursday’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, according to reports. While he continues to make progress in his rehab, there’s still no clear timeline for his return to regular-season action. The Lakers had initially hoped the injury wouldn’t be too serious, but the lingering nature of the strain has left the team in a holding pattern.
This recent stretch of unavailability has already taken its toll. The Lakers were without James, Reaves, and Doncic in a recent blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where Victor Wembanyama put on a show and the Lakers fell 136-108.
Since then, both James and Reaves have returned to the lineup, offering a much-needed boost. But Doncic’s status remains up in the air, and that uncertainty looms large.
The timing of the injury also complicates things beyond just the Lakers’ regular-season slate. Doncic is slated to represent the World Team in Sunday’s All-Star Game, and his participation is now in serious doubt.
That’s especially significant considering he was the leading vote-getter this year - a first in his career. There’s no question he’s motivated to suit up for the All-Star festivities, but whether his body will cooperate remains to be seen.
Injuries have already cast a shadow over this year’s All-Star weekend, with several big names either ruled out or questionable. Fans are hoping Doncic doesn’t join that growing list, especially given the buzz surrounding his All-Star selection. For now, the Lakers - and NBA fans everywhere - will be watching closely to see how his recovery unfolds.