Luka Dončić’s absence from the Los Angeles Lakers’ last outing quickly shifted focus from the win column to the injury report. The six-time All-Star sat out Saturday’s victory over the Golden State Warriors after suffering a hamstring issue earlier in the week. This immediately raised questions about his availability with another marquee matchup looming.
With the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting Crypto.com Arena on Monday, the Lakers have now clarified where their franchise star stands.
Lakers Rule Luka Dončić Out vs. Thunder
The Lakers officially ruled Dončić out for Monday’s game against the Thunder as he continues to deal with what the team has labeled a mild hamstring injury. The issue first surfaced during Thursday’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers, when Dončić exited late in the second quarter and did not return.
He finished that game with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists in just over 16 minutes. Initially listed as doubtful against Golden State, Dončić was later shut down entirely, and the latest injury report confirms he remains sidelined with no firm return date.
There is also uncertainty surrounding his availability for Tuesday’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. If he misses that contest, Thursday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks could become his next realistic return window before the All-Star break.
Lakers Stress Caution As All-Star Break Nears
Despite Dončić’s absence, the Lakers have continued to build momentum. Los Angeles sits at 32–19, fifth in the Western Conference, and has won three straight games. Austin Reaves returned from a calf injury during Saturday’s win, providing added stability alongside LeBron James.
General manager Rob Pelinka addressed Dončić’s status prior to that game, offering reassurance following medical imaging.
“In terms of this injury, the good news is it doesn’t appear to be anything serious,” Pelinka said. “It was a mild hamstring strain, and he is truly day-to-day.”
Head coach JJ Redick echoed that sentiment, explaining the decision to hold Dončić out.
“He felt some soreness in his hamstring, so he didn’t feel like it was good enough to go back in,” Redick said after the Philadelphia game. “Neither did medical, so we held him out.”
The Lakers’ upcoming schedule adds another layer to the decision-making process. After hosting Oklahoma City, Los Angeles faces San Antonio in a back-to-back before closing the pre–All-Star break slate against Dallas, Dončić’s former team.
As one of the league’s leading MVP candidates, Dončić has been dominant this season, averaging 32.8 points, 8.6 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game while leading the NBA in scoring. However, durability has been an ongoing theme, and the Lakers appear determined not to rush him back.
For now, Dončić remains day-to-day, with Los Angeles prioritizing long-term health over short-term availability as the postseason picture begins to sharpen.
