Luka Doncic Faces MRI After Exiting Lakers Game with Leg Injury
Luka Doncic, the NBA scoring leader, is set to undergo an MRI after sustaining a leg injury during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The event occurred with just over three minutes left in the first half of Thursday night’s match against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Luka Doncic’s Injury Details
Doncic exited the game after limping to the locker room due to apparent hamstring discomfort. He did not return for the second half, and the Lakers announced he would be out for the remainder of the game, citing left leg soreness.
Coaching Insights
- Head Coach JJ Redick stated, “He didn’t feel like it was good enough to go back in. Neither did the medical staff, so we held him out.”
- Redick emphasized the need for imaging to accurately diagnose the injury.
Doncic’s Season Performance
Before the injury, Doncic was having an outstanding season, leading the NBA with an average of 33.4 points per game. He also ranked second in assists with 8.7 and averaged 7.9 rebounds per game.
Impact on the Game
In the first half against the 76ers, Doncic scored 10 points, along with four rebounds and five turnovers, while struggling with his shooting, missing all four attempts from beyond the arc. The Lakers managed an impressive comeback to win 119-115, led by Austin Reaves, who scored 35 points in only 25 minutes.
Concerns for the Lakers
Doncic’s departure raised concerns among teammates, particularly Reaves, who remarked on the importance of Doncic to the team’s success: “He’s our best player and the engine of a lot of stuff that we do.”
- Doncic left the arena with a slight limp.
- This game marked just the 10th time this season that Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron James played together.
Team Performance Despite Injuries
The Lakers are currently engaged in the Western Conference playoff race with a record of 31-19. They have struggled with injuries, including James missing 14 games due to sciatica, and Reaves only returning from a calf injury recently.
A Glimpse at Upcoming Events
As the team prepares for future games, they are hoping for good news regarding Doncic’s condition. The star player was also recently selected for his sixth All-Star game, set to take place at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, next weekend.
Fans and teammates alike await the results of Doncic’s MRI, anticipating a swift recovery for one of the league’s brightest stars.
