There’s a cautious sigh of relief in Los Angeles today, as early indications suggest Luka Dončić may have avoided a serious left hamstring injury. The Lakers star exited Thursday night’s matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers and didn’t return, but there’s optimism around the team that the injury isn’t as severe as it initially looked.
Still, the team is expected to take a conservative approach. Dončić is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Golden State Warriors, and given his importance to the franchise’s long-term goals, there’s little incentive to rush him back.
Even without their superstar on the floor, the Lakers showed some serious resilience. Down Dončić, they rallied to beat the Sixers at home, with Austin Reaves stepping up in a big way.
Reaves poured in 35 points off the bench in what might’ve been his most impactful performance of the season. LeBron James, ever the steadying force, added 17 points and 10 assists, guiding the offense with his usual mix of poise and playmaking.
At 31-19, the Lakers sit fourth in the Western Conference under second-year head coach JJ Redick. It’s been a season of evolution in L.A., with Redick blending his sharp basketball mind with a roster that’s built to contend now. Dončić, of course, is central to that vision.
In his first full season with the Lakers, Dončić has been nothing short of elite. He’s averaging 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game while shooting 47.3% from the field, 34.5% from deep, and 78.1% at the line. Those are MVP-level numbers, and they speak to just how seamlessly he’s transitioned into life in the purple and gold.
The Lakers made their big move last season, acquiring Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks and locking him up with a three-year extension in the offseason. The expectation - and hope - is that he’ll finish his career in Los Angeles. He’s already been selected to the All-Star team this season, though his status for the game is now uncertain due to the hamstring injury.
Dončić’s postseason resume is still missing one key piece: a championship. He brought the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024, where they fell to the Celtics in five games. And last year, his Lakers were bounced in the first round by the Timberwolves, despite having homecourt advantage.
This season was shaping up to be a different story - and it still can be. But everything hinges on Dončić’s health.
The Lakers have built a contender around him, and when he's on the floor, they look every bit the part. For now, the focus shifts to his recovery, with the hope that this is just a minor bump in the road for one of the league’s brightest stars.