The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into a crucial East Coast road trip with some serious questions hanging over them-chief among them, the status of their leading scorer.
Coming off a lopsided loss at home to the Phoenix Suns-a game that never really felt competitive-the Lakers are now tasked with regrouping quickly as they prepare to face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night. And they’ll have to do it without one of their biggest stars.
Luka Dončić, who’s been playing at an MVP-caliber level this season and currently leads the league in scoring, is expected to miss the matchup. That’s a significant blow to a Lakers team that’s leaned heavily on his offensive brilliance to stay afloat in a crowded Western Conference.
Dončić has been the engine behind the Lakers' attack, blending scoring, playmaking, and leadership in a way few players in the league can replicate. Without him, the Lakers will need a true team effort to fill the void-expect more touches for Anthony Davis, a heavier playmaking load for LeBron James, and increased responsibility for the supporting cast.
Complicating matters further: this is the first leg of a back-to-back, with a showdown against the Boston Celtics looming on Friday night at TD Garden. That’s not just any opponent-it’s a measuring-stick game against one of the league’s top teams, and the Lakers have to be smart about how they manage minutes, especially for their veterans.
LeBron’s status will be something to watch closely. At this stage in his career, and coming off recent injuries, it’s hard to imagine him suiting up for both games.
The Lakers have been cautious with his workload, and for good reason-his presence is still critical to their success. Whether he plays Thursday in Toronto or Friday in Boston could come down to how the team prioritizes the two matchups.
And while the city of Toronto still remembers the LeBron-led playoff dominance that once earned it the nickname “LeBronto,” this version of the Raptors is a different challenge. They’ve got length, athleticism, and a home crowd that knows how to make things uncomfortable for visiting teams.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, and for the Lakers, it’s more than just the start of a road trip-it’s a test of depth, resilience, and how well they can weather the absence of their MVP candidate.