The Lakers are holding their breath - but the latest update on Luka Doncic offers a sigh of relief for a team that’s been treading water without its superstar.
Head coach JJ Redick shared that Doncic is officially day-to-day as he works his way back from a left hamstring injury. That’s the kind of news Lakers fans have been waiting for.
It’s not just that Doncic leads the league in scoring - it’s that he’s the heartbeat of this team. Without him, L.A. has gone 5-5, a .500 stretch that’s felt even more uneven than the record suggests.
But there’s reason for optimism. Doncic participated in contact work on Tuesday, a clear sign that his return is getting closer.
The Lakers have been cautious throughout his rehab, and rightfully so - hamstring issues can be tricky, especially for a player who carries such a heavy offensive load. Still, the fact that he’s back in contact drills means the finish line is in sight.
And when Doncic does return, he’ll be rejoining a team that needs his scoring punch, his playmaking, and, let’s be honest, his swagger. At 32.8 points per game, he’s not just leading the league - he’s doing it with flair. That confidence spills over into every aspect of his game, and into the locker room, too.
Just ask Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady. On a recent episode of the Cousins podcast, Doncic joined the two NBA legends and didn’t shy away from calling himself the biggest trash talker on the Lakers roster.
He laughed about it, but make no mistake - there’s pride behind the banter. Doncic knows he talks, and he knows he backs it up.
That combination has made him one of the most compelling stars in the league, and it’s part of what makes his presence so missed on the floor.
But Doncic’s impact isn’t limited to what he does in purple and gold. Behind the scenes, he’s making moves that could shape the future of the sport overseas.
According to a report shared by Marc Stein, Doncic is part of an ownership group - organized by former Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson - that’s in the final stages of acquiring a professional franchise expected to be based in Rome. The move is tied to the NBA’s long-anticipated expansion into Europe, and for Doncic, it’s more than just a business opportunity. Rome’s proximity to his native Slovenia makes this venture feel personal.
It’s a bold step for a player still in his prime, but it fits the trajectory of Doncic’s career. He’s never been one to stay in the box - whether it’s his shot selection, his leadership style, or now, his vision for growing the game globally. Team ownership is a new chapter, and it’s one that signals his intent to be a long-term force in basketball, both on and off the court.
So while the Lakers wait for their MVP candidate to return, Doncic is already shaping the game’s future - and reminding everyone that his presence extends far beyond the hardwood.