Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers has been sidelined due to a thigh injury.
ESPN reported on January 6 that the Lakers announced Doncic will miss the game against the Golden State Warriors due to a left hamstring injury. The Lakers face the Warriors in a 2025-2026 NBA regular season home game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California on January 7.
Doncic was injured during the home game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 5. He complained of thigh pain late in the second quarter, limped off the court after being substituted, and did not return. ESPN cited sources reporting "optimistic outlook that Doncic's hamstring injury is not serious." The team has not yet announced the exact extent of the injury or a timeline for his return.
Doncic, who leads the NBA in scoring this season, has averaged 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists in 42 games. His injury is a significant setback for the team, as he has been performing at a level that could earn him his first career MVP award. The Lakers have gone 4-4 in eight games Doncic missed due to leg injuries and other issues.
The Lakers have struggled to field their core players together this season. According to ESPN, Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James have played together in only 10 of the team's 50 games this season. The Lakers currently stand at 31-19, fifth in the Western Conference.