Lakers Missing Luka Dončić and Deandre Ayton Again Ahead of All-Star Break Clash with Mavs
The Los Angeles Lakers will once again be without two of their biggest names as they wrap up the first half of the season Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks. Luka Dončić and Deandre Ayton have both been ruled out, and with the All-Star break looming, the team is hoping the extra rest can help both players get back to full strength.
Dončić is still recovering from a hamstring strain he suffered last Thursday against the Sixers. He exited in the second quarter of that game and hasn’t seen the floor since. Head coach JJ Redick said Dončić reported soreness and didn’t feel comfortable returning, a decision the medical staff fully supported.
Since then, the Lakers have gone 1-2 without their All-NBA guard. The lone win came against the Warriors, but L.A. dropped tough back-to-backs to the Thunder and Spurs-two of the Western Conference’s top squads. It’s worth noting that the Lakers were severely shorthanded in that San Antonio loss, missing four of their five starters: Dončić, Ayton, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James.
Ayton, meanwhile, will miss his second straight game-and eighth of the season-due to right knee soreness. The big man has been a steady presence in the paint for L.A., averaging 13.2 points and 8.5 rebounds over 46 games. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in rim protection and rebounding, especially against a Mavericks team that can punish teams inside and out.
The numbers paint a clear picture of how much Dončić means to this offense. Without him, the Lakers have gone 5-6, but more telling is the offensive drop-off.
In the last three games without Dončić, L.A. ranks dead last in both field goal attempts and three-point attempts. That’s a stark contrast from when the Slovenian star is orchestrating the offense, setting the tempo, and creating open looks for teammates.
Even while sidelined, Dončić still leads the league in scoring at 32.8 points per game, to go along with 7.6 rebounds and 8.6 assists in 42 appearances. His ability to control the game with his scoring, playmaking, and sheer presence is something the Lakers simply can’t replicate when he’s not on the floor.
One bright spot? Austin Reaves.
In the immediate aftermath of Dončić’s injury, Reaves stepped up in a big way, torching the Sixers for 35 points in just 25 minutes off the bench. Performances like that are exactly what the Lakers need from their supporting cast as they try to stay afloat without their stars.
The timing of these injuries isn’t ideal, but the All-Star break offers a much-needed pause. For a Lakers team that’s been battling through injuries and inconsistent lineups, the hope is that Dončić and Ayton can use the time off to heal up and return ready to make a second-half push in an ultra-competitive Western Conference.