Star guard will undergo MRI Friday as Lakers survive without him; Reaves’ return fuels comeback from 14-point deficit despite latest injury concern
Luka Doncic’s night ended abruptly. The Lakers star limped off the court late in the second quarter Thursday after feeling soreness in his left hamstring, prompting head coach JJ Redick to rule him out for the remainder of Los Angeles’ 119-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Lakers managed to win without their leading scorer, the injury clouds the team’s momentum heading into the weekend and raises questions about Doncic’s availability moving forward.
Doncic appeared limited from the opening moments. Playing just 16 minutes, he managed 10 points on 3-for-10 shooting to go with four rebounds, two assists, and five turnovers before exiting with 3:03 remaining in the first half. The early exit was conspicuous Doncic’s frustration was evident as he kicked the scorer’s table on his way to the locker room, then hunched over with his arms covering his face. It was the emotional reaction of a player struggling with both physical discomfort and the inability to contribute meaningfully.
“Yeah, he felt some soreness in his hamstring, so he didn’t feel like it was good enough to go back in,” Redick explained after the game. “Neither did our medical staff, so we held him out. And he’ll get some imaging. I mean, too early to say if there’s an injury, but just had a sore hamstring.”
The cautious approach reflects the Lakers’ desire to protect a player dealing with a troubling injury pattern. Doncic has already missed eight games this season because of various leg injuries. This represents another setback in what’s become a concerning trend of lower-body issues affecting the star guard. The MRI scheduled for Friday will provide clarity on the severity, but the medical staff clearly felt comfortable ruling him out immediately rather than risking further aggravation.
The Timing and Context
The injury’s timing is particularly significant given the Lakers’ recent injury challenges. Thursday marked just the 10th game this season where Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves were all in uniform together. James missed the first 14 games due to sciatica affecting his lower back and right side. Reaves just returned Tuesday from a 19-game absence because of a left calf strain. Getting their trio of stars healthy simultaneously has proven enormously difficult.
Before Thursday’s injury, Doncic entered the night leading the entire NBA in scoring with 33.4 points per game, adding 8.7 assists and 7.9 rebounds. He’s been carrying an enormous offensive load for the Lakers, and his absence immediately removes their most reliable scoring option.
The Win Without Him
What made Thursday’s victory particularly impressive was how the Lakers overcame Doncic’s early exit. Reaves, despite being on a playing time restriction as he continues ramping up from his calf injury, was sensational. He scored 35 points on an efficient 12-for-17 shooting in just 25 minutes dominant offensive output despite the minutes limit.
The Lakers trailed by 14 points in the third quarter before staging their comeback. Rui Hachimura provided crucial support, finishing with 14 points and seven rebounds, including a dunk with 12.3 seconds remaining that sealed the victory by extending a two-point lead to four. James contributed 17 points and 10 assists, though he struggled early (2-for-9 from the field) and tied his season-worst with eight turnovers.
That Reaves could deliver 35 points in limited minutes suggests the Lakers have depth capable of winning without Doncic, at least for short periods. But sustained absence would test that depth significantly.
What Comes Next
The Lakers host the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, but Doncic’s availability remains uncertain heading into that matchup. The Friday MRI will determine whether this is simply minor hamstring soreness or something more serious requiring extended rest.
Reaves offered the perspective of a teammate understanding the stakes. “Hopefully nothing major,” he said of Doncic’s injury. “We need him. He’s our best player and the engine for a lot of the stuff we do. Hopefully we get good news Friday, and I wish him nothing the best.”
That sentiment captures the Lakers’ situation: they can win games without Doncic in short bursts, but sustained success requires their star healthy and available. The next 24 hours of medical imaging will provide crucial information about whether this is a short-term concern or the beginning of a longer absence.
