Luka Doncic, Lakers
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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic reacts after getting hit on the head by Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. in the first half.
The Los Angeles Lakers are bracing for clarity on their most important player.
Star guard Luka Dončić is scheduled to undergo an MRI Friday after exiting Thursday night’s 119–115 comeback win over the Philadelphia 76ers with hamstring soreness, an injury that could determine how many games he misses heading into the All-Star break.
Dončić limped off the floor midway through the second quarter and did not return, casting a shadow over an otherwise resilient Lakers victory.
Brian Windhorst Breaks Down What the MRI Means for Lakers
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst outlined the stakes for Los Angeles on Friday’s edition of Get Up, emphasizing that the MRI results will dictate the Lakers’ short-term outlook.
“It really comes down to, is this a mild strain, a first-degree?” Windhorst said. “If that’s the case, the All-Star break comes next week, and he could be back without missing too many games. If it’s a more serious Grade 2, now you’ve got a bigger problem.”
Windhorst noted that Dončić has already missed eight games this season due to leg-related injuries, underscoring the concern if imaging reveals anything more than minor soreness.
JJ Redick Explains Why Dončić Was Shut Down
Lakers coach JJ Redick said the decision to hold Dončić out was made cautiously after the superstar felt discomfort.
“He felt some soreness in his hamstring, so he didn’t feel like it was good enough to go back in,” Redick said. “Neither did our medical staff, so we held him out. He’ll get some imaging. It’s too early to say if there’s an injury, but it was a sore hamstring.”
Dončić finished with 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and five turnovers in 16 minutes, shooting 3-of-10 from the field before exiting with 3:03 left in the first half.
Lakers’ Standings, Schedule Could Cushion Absence
Despite the uncertainty, the Lakers have some built-in advantages if Dončić is forced to miss time.
Los Angeles sits one game clear of the Western Conference play-in line and is at the start of an eight-game homestand, with no road games scheduled for the next three weeks. The Lakers improved to 13–8 at home with Thursday’s win.
Windhorst pointed to the timing as potentially helpful.
“They don’t even play on the road for the next three weeks,” he said. “That home-heavy schedule should help them weather this a little bit.”
Austin Reaves, LeBron James Step Up as Lakers Rally
Thursday’s comeback also highlighted the Lakers’ ability to adjust offensively.
With Dončić sidelined, Austin Reaves delivered a dominant performance, scoring 35 points on 12-of-17 shooting in just 25 minutes while operating under a minutes restriction after returning from a left calf strain.
It was only the 10th game of the season that Dončić, LeBron James, and Reaves were all available. James, who missed the first 14 games with sciatica, finished with 17 points and 10 assists, though he tied a season high with eight turnovers.
“It does help to have AR back if that’s the case,” said Marcus Smart. “But it’s definitely going to take a full team effort now, more than ever, if Luka is out for a long period of time.”
Dončić’s Importance to Lakers Can’t Be Overstated
Dončić entered Thursday leading the NBA in scoring at 33.4 points per game, while also averaging 8.7 assists and 7.9 rebounds. The Lakers are 4–4 in the eight games he has missed this season, a stark contrast to their 27-15 record when he is available.
Reaves made that clear after the win.
“Hopefully nothing major,” Reaves said. “We need him. He’s our best player and the engine for a lot of the stuff we do. Hopefully, we get good news.”
The Lakers are expected to have MRI results soon, with Dončić’s availability over the coming weeks hinging on what the imaging reveals.