The subject of Luka Doncic‘s health and durability has been a topic of conversation since the Mavericks made the landscape-shaking decision to trade him to the Lakers in 2025.
After an elite season that saw the Slovenian star average 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game en route to being named First Team All-NBA and coming in fourth in MVP voting, a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered in April caused him to miss the 2026 postseason. The Lakers were eventually swept in the second round by the Thunder after advancing past the Rockets in Round One due to heroics from LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard, none of whom are still with the team.
After an offseason of upheaval and significant player movement, the six-time All-NBA First Team guard took to the internet to deliver some good news to fans via email, per Dan Woike of The Athletic (Twitter link).
“I took a real break from basketball the first few weeks after the season ended to rehab my body. My recovery went great, and I’m 100 percent healthy again,” Doncic said in the statement. “Taking some time away from basketball is something I do at the start of every offseason… when I let myself miss the game a little bit and try some new things, it only makes me more excited and motivated to get back to playing.”
Doncic’s health and ability to move without being encumbered could be particularly vital this season, as the team lost a signficant amount of size and experience on the wings while mostly adding big men or players under 6’5″. The Lakers will likely deploy multiple three-guard lineups featuring Doncic and Austin Reaves alongside one of Quentin Grimes or Collin Sexton, which could put added importance on Doncic to guard larger players.
The team did add Ziaire Williams and veteran defensive wing Matisse Thybulle on one-year deals, both of whom could help shore up the perimeter defense, but it’s unclear how big a role either will have to start the season.