If the Lakers are going to bounce back from their recent loss to the Suns, they’ll have to do it short-handed-and without their most dynamic weapon. Luka Dončić will miss Thursday’s matchup against the Raptors due to personal reasons, a significant absence for a team looking to regain its rhythm.
Dončić has been nothing short of spectacular this season, putting up MVP-caliber numbers: 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. That kind of production doesn’t just disappear-it leaves a massive hole in the offense, the kind that reshapes how the Lakers will need to approach this game on both ends of the floor.
Also ruled out is Marcus Smart, who continues to manage a lower back issue. He’s already missed the last three games, so his absence isn’t unexpected, but it still tightens the Lakers’ backcourt rotation even further.
The silver lining here is that Dončić’s absence isn’t injury-related. That’s a crucial distinction.
While the Lakers will be without their star in Toronto, the expectation is that once he handles his personal matters, he’ll be ready to rejoin the lineup. For a team with postseason ambitions, keeping him healthy long-term is the priority.
In the meantime, the Lakers will need others to step up-and that starts with LeBron James. The 20-year veteran is still working his way into peak form after missing all of training camp and the first 14 games of the season.
Against Phoenix, he struggled to find his offensive rhythm, barely reaching double digits in scoring late in the game. Still, that effort was enough to extend his streak of games with at least 10 points to 1,297, a testament to his remarkable consistency.
But the Lakers will need more than streaks and milestones in Toronto. They’ll need LeBron to assert himself as a scorer and facilitator, especially with Dončić sidelined. This could be the kind of game where his leadership and floor vision make the difference.
Fortunately for LA, the roster isn’t devoid of offensive options. Austin Reaves has already shown he can carry the load when called upon.
Earlier this season, he dropped a career-high 51 points in a win over the Kings-with both Dončić and LeBron out. That performance wasn’t just a flash in the pan-it was a statement.
Reaves has the confidence, the skillset, and the green light to be a difference-maker.
He doesn’t need to go for 50 again, but if he stays aggressive, looks for his shot, and keeps the ball moving, he can be the spark LA needs. His ability to create off the dribble and draw defenders opens up opportunities for others, and that’s going to be critical in a game where the usual offensive engine is missing.
The rest of the rotation is healthy, which gives head coach Darvin Ham some flexibility. Expect to see a heavier dose of ball movement, more touches for players like D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura, and perhaps even some creative small-ball lineups to keep the pace up and Toronto on its heels.
Bottom line: winning without Dončić won’t be easy. But the Lakers have the talent to compete-and if LeBron finds his groove and Reaves continues to rise, they just might have enough to get it done.