The Lakers came into the 2025-26 season with high expectations and early momentum, but lately, the engine’s been sputtering. After reeling off a seven-game win streak last month, they’ve struggled to find that same rhythm. Injuries have played a big role in that slide, and the latest concern revolves around their superstar guard, Luka Dončić.
Dončić picked up a left leg contusion in the team’s most recent win on Saturday, and while initial reports suggested it wasn’t anything serious, he was held out of Tuesday’s game against the Suns. That absence raised some eyebrows, especially with the high-profile Christmas Day matchup against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets looming.
There was a glimmer of hope when NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Dončić was expected to play on Christmas. According to Charania, Luka was scheduled for a workout on game day, and as long as everything went smoothly, he’d be back in the lineup - and lacing up his new signature shoes for the occasion.
But in the hours following that report, the Lakers officially listed Dončić as questionable for the holiday showdown. That designation doesn’t close the door entirely, but it certainly leaves things up in the air. If Dončić is unable to go, rookie Nick Smith Jr. is expected to make his second straight start - a big stage for the young guard, especially against a Rockets team that’s been making noise.
If Dončić does end up sitting this one out, it would mark his fifth missed game of the season due to injury. He sat out three earlier in the year because of a bruise, but team sources have made it clear that this current contusion isn’t a flare-up of that earlier issue. So while the injuries aren’t piling up in a concerning long-term way just yet, the timing couldn’t be worse for a Lakers team trying to right the ship.
Head coach JJ Redick addressed the situation earlier this week, saying the team is taking a cautious, day-by-day approach with Dončić. They’re watching how he responds to treatment and how he holds up in practice sessions before making any final calls.
Bottom line: the Lakers need their star back on the floor, but they’re not going to rush him - especially not with so much season left to play. Whether Dončić suits up tonight or not, the Lakers' depth and resilience are about to be tested once again.