The Los Angeles have been snakebitten by the injury bug through pretty much the entirety of the 2025-26 season. Their three best players, LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Austin Reaves, have all been out for stretches. Dončić himself has been out, though, luckily, it appears not to be for much longer.
What’s the Latest on Luka Dončić’s Return?
Dončić last played for the Lakers on February 5 but had to leave early due to a hamstring injury. With the All-Star Game coming up, many wondered if his latest injury would keep him out of it. NBA Insider Marc Stein reported that it won’t.
“The Lakers’ Luka Dončić is indeed on course to play for a short stint in Sunday’s All-Star Game after a strong pregame workout Thursday,” Stein wrote on X.
Reading the tea leaves from this, Dončić won’t be fully recovered, but he will be well enough that once the regular season resumes, it won’t be too long before he’s back on the court.
The Lakers’ Luka Dončić is indeed on course to play for a short stint in Sunday’s All-Star Game after a strong pregame workout Thursday, league sources tell @TheSteinLine. pic.twitter.com/nUvNyyN8Gf
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 13, 2026
Even so, this is a huge sigh of relief for the Lakers. They have already been dealing with enough injuries as is, so having their best players ready and healthy can go a long way toward their seeding in the Western Conference playoff race.
It doesn’t necessarily cure the Lakers of all their flaws, but it’s clear they won’t go anywhere without a healthy Dončić. By himself, he provides 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists a game.
There are teams in the West with fewer holes to exploit than the Lakers, but it’s hard to argue against them when they have everyone on the team; they have a trio talented enough to compete with just about anyone in the NBA.
The rest of the roster, not so much, but having a trio that good can typically push the odds in their favor in the postseason. There’s only one way to find out. There’s also more to their upcoming playoff run.
This is a season where the Lakers may have to prep for their last year with James and prep for their future with Dončić leading the way. If things go well, even if it doesn’t result in a title, it could go a long way in making the Lakers feel good about their chances of building the right team around Dončić going forward.
