PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 14: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach JJ Redick during the first half of the NBA preseason game against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
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Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with head coach JJ Redick
The Los Angeles Lakers will be without Luka Dončić for a second consecutive game as the team continues to exercise caution with its franchise star.
Dončić has been officially ruled out of Monday night’s marquee matchup against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder because of what coach JJ Redick described as a mild left hamstring strain.
The decision underscores the Lakers’ measured approach as they balance short-term results with long-term health, particularly with the NBA All-Star break approaching.
Redick Optimistic but Cautious With Dončić’s Timeline
Before the Lakers’ 105–99 win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, Redick expressed optimism about Dončić’s recovery — while stopping short of committing to a return date.
“I’ve been around him as a teammate and as a coach, and I know he plays,” Redick said. “If he’s able to play, he plays. I think he wants to be in the All-Star Game. I know he wants to play against Dallas the game before the All-Star break. He has his team working on him day and night. So it’s day-to-day, and when he’s ready to play, we’ll get him out there.”
Dončić was voted an All-Star starter for the sixth time in his career, but his availability for next week’s showcase remains uncertain as the Lakers await further clarity.
Busy Pre-Break Schedule Looms for Lakers
After hosting Oklahoma City, the Lakers will face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday in the second night of a back-to-back before closing the pre-break slate Thursday against Dončić’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks.
That matchup has been circled internally and externally, but Redick made clear the organization will not rush its star guard.
How the Injury Unfolded
Dončić exited Thursday’s 119–115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers late in the second quarter and did not return. Initially listed as left leg soreness, the injury prompted further evaluation.
Redick confirmed that Dončić underwent an MRI on Friday that yielded a mild hamstring strain result.
Dončić’s Production — and Absence — Loom Large
Dončić enters the week as the NBA’s leading scorer, averaging 32.8 points per game to go with 8.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds. However, durability has become an increasing theme.
He has already missed eight games this season because of leg-related injuries. With Saturday’s win over Golden State, the Lakers improved to 5–4 in games he has missed — a respectable mark, but one that highlights how thin the margin can be without their offensive engine.
Lakers Get Contributions While Dončić Sits
In Dončić’s absence Saturday, LeBron James led Los Angeles with 20 points and 10 assists, while Austin Reaves added 16 points off the bench in his second game back from a lengthy absence. Rui Hachimura chipped in 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting in another start.
The Lakers also received a timely lift from trade deadline acquisition Luke Kennard, who scored 10 points in his debut. Kennard hit a key corner three and delivered a sharp interior pass to Jarred Vanderbilt during an 11–0 fourth-quarter run that sealed the win.
Lakers Balancing Urgency and Prudence
While Redick has maintained that Dončić’s injury is mild, the Lakers are navigating the situation with an eye toward sustainability — especially given his recent injury history and the compressed calendar ahead.
With the All-Star break looming and playoff positioning at stake, Los Angeles appears committed to erring on the side of caution, even as questions linger about when — and in what condition — its superstar will return.