Lakers guard Luka Doncic
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Lakers' Luka Doncic during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2026
Much of the Los Angeles Lakers’ season has been shaped by injuries, with key absences forcing the team to constantly adjust its rotations and lineups.
LeBron James missed the first 14 games of the season and has been sidelined for 18 overall, while Austin Reaves endured a lengthy absence of his own, missing 19 consecutive games before recently returning.
Luka Doncic added to those concerns, sitting out the Lakers’ final four games before the All-Star break with a hamstring injury.
As a result, Los Angeles has rarely operated at full strength. However, that finally changed in Friday’s 125-122 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Lakers Finally See Big Three Return Together in Key Victory
Doncic, James, and Reaves shared the floor for just the 11th time in the Lakers’ 55 games this season, marking a rare moment of full availability.
In his return, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, leading the team with 38 points, six rebounds, 11 assists, three steals, and one block.
He shot 11-of-25 from the field and knocked down eight three-pointers, playing a team-high 37 minutes in the closely contested win.
After the game, Doncic addressed the condition of his hamstring following the heavy workload.
“It wasn’t bad,” he told reporters postgame. “Obviously a little tired after the game, but I felt good.”
His response offered encouraging signs that there are no lingering concerns following his recent absence.
Doncic had briefly appeared in the All-Star Game during the break, signaling that his return was imminent. Friday’s performance confirmed he has resumed his central role in the Lakers’ offense.
Lakers Managing Luka Doncic’s Workload as Season Intensifies
Durability has become an ongoing topic surrounding Doncic, whose workload remains among the heaviest in the league.
He has openly acknowledged playing through soreness at various points this season, a natural consequence of his extensive minutes and offensive responsibility.
The Lakers have also managed multiple injury interruptions involving Doncic, including a left finger sprain, recurring leg discomfort, and lower back and ankle issues that forced him to miss time.
Still, Friday’s win provided a glimpse of the Lakers’ full potential.
James, despite being a late addition to the injury report with knee soreness, contributed 13 points and 11 assists.
Reaves also impressed in his first game free of a minutes restriction, finishing with 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. He added six rebounds, two assists, and two steals across 32 minutes.
The 27-year-old drew a crucial charge late in the fourth quarter with the game still in the balance, fouling out Bennedict Mathurin in a moment head coach JJ Redick described as “the play of the game.”
With the victory, the Lakers improved to 34-21, holding fifth place in a tightly contested Western Conference.
They now sit just one game behind the Denver Nuggets for third, while maintaining a narrow cushion over the Phoenix Suns, who remain within striking distance of the play-in picture.
If their core can remain healthy, the Lakers may finally have the continuity needed to make a meaningful push down the stretch.