Luka Doncic missed the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday due to a calf injury, so his availability continues to be one of the team’s biggest storylines heading into Christmas Day.
Doncic has been carrying the Lakers all season, leading the team with 34.1 points, 8.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game, all team highs. He’s also second in rebounds at 8.6 per contest, only behind big man Deandre Ayton (9.0).
The Slovenian star’s absence was clearly felt on Tuesday when Los Angeles fell to the Phoenix Suns, 132-108, without their top scorer.
LeBron James paced L.A. in that loss with 23 points, while Austin Reaves provided a spark off the bench with 17. However, the lack of offensive firepower without Doncic was evident, as no other Laker cracked the 20-point mark.
NBA Injury Report: Luka Doncic’s Status in Lakers vs. Rockets
Now, as the Lakers prepare for the Houston Rockets in their Christmas Day game at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers provided some update on Doncic’s status.
The five-time All-Star was officially listed as “Questionable” for Thursday’s matchup due to a lower left leg contusion.
There’s certainly hope that Doncic would be available to play. After practice earlier this week, head coach JJ Redick described Doncic as day-to-day, leaving the door open for a potential return on Christmas.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin also downplayed the severity of the injury, noting that it is essentially a bruise and that the team has been exploring protective padding or a wrap to help Doncic feel comfortable enough to play.
“There’s still a possibility — a very real possibility — that he feels good enough to go Thursday against the Rockets,” McMenamin said on NBA Today.
While his status remains uncertain, the “Questionable” designation gives Lakers fans reason for optimism. With the Rockets coming to town on one of the NBA’s biggest stages, all eyes will be on whether Doncic feels good enough to suit up and give Los Angeles a much-needed boost on Christmas Day.
