Luka Doncic to Miss Spurs Matchup as Lakers Monitor Hamstring Strain Ahead of All-Star Break
The Lakers will be without Luka Doncic on Tuesday night when they take on the San Antonio Spurs, as the All-Star guard continues to recover from a left hamstring strain. This marks the third straight game Doncic will sit out, and while the team is playing it safe with their franchise cornerstone, his status for the upcoming All-Star Game remains a hot topic.
Doncic, who led all players in fan voting this year, earned his sixth All-Star selection and is slated to start for Team World in the league’s new mini-tournament format. But with the All-Star break fast approaching, the question now is whether he’ll be cleared in time to participate-or whether the Lakers will prioritize long-term health over midseason accolades.
The 26-year-old has never dealt with a hamstring issue in his eight-year NBA career, making this a new challenge both for him and the Lakers’ medical staff. The team has been encouraged by the fact that the strain is considered mild, but they’re understandably cautious. Hamstrings can be tricky-especially for a player like Doncic, who relies so heavily on change-of-pace movement, footwork, and core strength to create space and control tempo.
According to reports, Doncic has already resumed running and is expected to participate in full-contact five-on-five drills this week. The Lakers haven’t ruled him out for Thursday’s matchup against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, which would be the final game before the break. That’s one to circle-not just because of the opponent, but because it could signal whether he's trending toward suiting up in Indianapolis this weekend.
In the meantime, the Lakers' injury report is stacking up. LeBron James (left foot arthritis), Austin Reaves (left calf injury management), and Marcus Smart (right ankle soreness) are also out for Tuesday’s game. Deandre Ayton is listed as questionable with right knee soreness, leaving the Lakers shorthanded as they face a Spurs team that has already beaten them twice this season.
Heading into Tuesday, the Lakers sit fifth in the Western Conference at 32-20. They’ve been steady, but the Western Conference playoff race is tight, and every game counts. Doncic’s return-whether it comes Thursday or after the break-will be crucial in maintaining momentum down the stretch.
For now, all eyes are on his recovery timeline. The Lakers are playing the long game, and with good reason. A healthy Luka Doncic in April and May matters far more than a few extra minutes in February.