The Los Angeles Lakers’ grueling schedule will continue on Thursday night, but they will be without a very pivotal player.
As reported by Dave McMenamin, per Legion Hoops, Luka Doncic will not play in the game against the Bucks as he continues to nurse an ankle injury.
This has been a tough stretch of games for the Lakers, and while they would love to see Doncic on the court, his absence isn’t that surprising.
BREAKING: Luka Doncic is OUT for tonight’s game vs. the Bucks, per @mcten pic.twitter.com/lz4y9k9Sw3
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 20, 2025
The Bucks game will be the second of back-to-back matches for the Lakers, who just took down the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
Even with his injured ankle, Doncic put up 31 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in the 120-108 victory.
The Lakers have played six games in eight days, partly due to making up time they lost during the Los Angeles wildfires.
They have had to push through this period without LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and various other players who sat out of some games because of injuries.
After the Bucks are out of the way, things slow down for the Lakers and they take on the Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, and others in the weeks ahead.
The playoffs are now right around the corner and it is supremely important that all Lakers players are in their best shape possible.
So while fans are disappointed to be without Doncic for Thursday, they are hoping rest and rehabbing his ankle will have him ready to go for the postseason.
They are the third seed in the West and have just 14 more games before the playoffs begin.
NEXT: Luka Doncic Reveals His Honest Thoughts About Playoff Spot