Luka Dončić might be back in action sooner than expected - and just in time for Christmas.
The Lakers’ superstar guard is officially out for Tuesday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns, but there’s growing optimism he could return for the marquee Christmas Day showdown against the Houston Rockets. According to reports, there’s still a “very real possibility” Dončić suits up if his leg responds well over the next 48 hours.
Dončić suffered a lower left leg contusion during the Lakers’ December 20 loss to the Clippers, a rough 103-88 outing at the Intuit Dome. While the injury looked concerning in the moment, the early signs suggest it may not be a long-term issue. That’s huge news for a Lakers team that’s leaned heavily on Dončić’s brilliance through the first third of the season.
And brilliance is exactly what he’s delivered.
In 21 games with Los Angeles this year, Dončić is putting up video game numbers: 34.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per night. He’s shooting 45.8% from the field, 32.0% from deep, and 80.7% at the line - all while leading the league in scoring. If he keeps this pace, he’s firmly in the hunt for a second career scoring title.
Just a few nights before the injury, Dončić torched the Utah Jazz for 45 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists - a triple-double clinic that reminded everyone why he’s one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game. His ability to control tempo, manipulate defenses, and score from all three levels continues to separate him from the pack.
“He’s just so damn good,” LeBron James said after that game. “It’s ridiculous.”
Hard to argue with that.
At 26 years old, Dončić has already made five All-Star appearances and continues to evolve as a leader in his first season with the Lakers. His presence has helped push L.A. to a 19-8 record, good for fourth place in a stacked Western Conference. That’s a strong position for a team still finding its rhythm after last year’s early playoff exit at the hands of the Timberwolves.
Of course, expectations in L.A. are always sky-high. The Lakers haven’t won a title since the 2020 bubble run, when LeBron and Anthony Davis led them past the Miami Heat. With Dončić now in the fold, the franchise is banking on this new trio to bring banner No. 18 to Crypto.com Arena.
But for now, all eyes are on Dončić’s health. If he can go on Christmas Day, it’ll be a gift not just for Lakers fans, but for NBA fans everywhere. Few players bring the kind of flair, firepower, and feel for the game that he does - and the league is simply more fun when Luka is on the floor.