Luka Doncic put on a show with the LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors to kick off his first full season with the storied Western Conference organization.
The five-time All-Star netted 43 points, pulled down 12 rebounds, and recorded nine assists in the Lakers' 119-109 loss to the Dubs in front of their home crowd.
While losing the first of 82 games isn’t a cause for panic, it isn’t good that Doncic suffered an injury during the contest.
"After playing a game-high 41 minutes in the Los Angeles Lakers' 119-109 opening night loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Luka Doncic spent even more time in the training room receiving treatment after the game on the inside of his right leg,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported Wednesday.
"It's probably nothing," Doncic said. "Just felt it a little bit because my hip went (the opposite) way. Felt it a little bit, but it's probably nothing."
It makes sense for a fierce competitor like Doncic to treat his setback like a minor inconvenience. However, Dr. Evan Jeffries (who specializes in physical therapy) believes Doncic’s groin injury is a cause for concern moving forward.
“Unfortunately, Luka Doncic has not looked the same since a couple of minutes ago. Continues to grab his right adductor (groin). Big concern moving forward.”
With LeBron James already sidelined with sciatica on his right side, the Lakers can’t afford to lose Doncic for a lengthy stretch.
If Jeffries’ assessment proves to be correct, though, Doncic could find himself missing multiple games to nurse his nagging groin injury.
It’ll be pivotal to monitor Doncic’s injury status as the season progresses*.*
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