Getty
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates in front of Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are worried about another Luka Doncic injury. He hurt his hamstring, which is the latest injury that he has dealt with this season. So far this year, he has already missed eight games this season, although none of those injuries have been too bad.
A hamstring injury is something to be concerned about. The Lakers did add another guard at the trade deadline, bringing in Luke Kennard. He is someone who will be able to get a lot of open 3s from Doncic once he is healthy. Doncic is the key, though.
The Lakers now have an initial idea of what the injury to Doncic’s hamstring looks like, and they have gotten some good news.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic celebrates. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers Get Good News on Luka Doncic
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Los Angeles believes that he doesn’t have a major left hamstring injury. It is still unlikely that he plays against the Golden State Warriors in an upcoming matchup. Avoiding major injury is great news for the Lakers, though.
Right now, LA has the ninth-best offense in the league. That is in large part because of what Doncic brings with his combination of scoring and passing. They also sit fifth in the Western Conference standings, and they need to stay in the top six.
Los Angeles didn’t make any major moves at the deadline, which lessens the chances of them being able to make a deep playoff run. They are pinning their hopes that Doncic, along with LeBron James and Austin Reaves, are enough on offense.
Keeping those three players healthy is going to be key for them moving into the playoffs, as Reaves has already missed a significant number of games. James also missed the first month of the season with sciatica, an issue that could flare up again at any time.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic runs down the court. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
The Lakers Need Luka Doncic to Play at an MVP Level
Doncic has been playing at a very high level when he has been on the floor. He has a shot to win the MVP at the end of the season if he is able to keep himself healthy. That’s especially true if the Lakers are able to get themselves into one of the top three seeds in the West.
Los Angeles still has to find a way to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are the favorites to win the NBA title after winning it last year. They have the best record in the NBA by a substantial margin. Doncic playing at an MVP level is the best chance they have to win it all.
Doncic not missing a significant amount of time with this hamstring injury is key for them to make a move up the standings. This is the best news that they could have gotten involving one of their star players getting a soft tissue injury.