With the Los Angeles Lakers gearing up for their upcoming matchup against their long-standing rivals, the Boston Celtics, everyone around the team is focused on one question: will Luka Dončić be available or not?
The team has started the 2025-26 season strong with the NBA superstar leading the way and currently holds the second-best record in the Western Conference, trailing only the defending NBA champions, the OKC Thunder.
Fans who watched the most recent game between the Lakers and the Toronto Raptors know that Dončić did not play, which has many wondering when he will return to action.
Will Luka Dončić Suit Up Against the Boston Celtics?
Given that LeBron James missed several games to start the season, Dončić was able to solidify his position as the leader of the Lakers while also posting MVP-tier numbers. In the 16 games Dončić has played in the 2025-26 campaign, the 26-year-old has recorded 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 8.9 assists.
Perhaps his absence in the Lakers’ narrow win against the Raptors had fans worrying that he was injured. However, it was soon revealed that Dončić is not in the country and is currently awaiting the birth of his second child.
This unexpected family situation gives him a clear reason to take time away from the team. Both sides understand that moments like this are bigger than basketball, so there is no clear timeline for his return.
Not having Dončić on the court may hurt the Lakers’ chances against the Boston Celtics. Thankfully, the rest of their roster, except for Marcus Smart, looks healthy for this matchup against the Celtics.
What Is the Condition of the Boston Celtics?
Although the Celtics have established themselves as legitimate postseason contenders for several seasons in a row, the team looks completely different in the 2025-26 campaign. Jayson Tatum is sidelined for the foreseeable future, and several members of their championship roster have been traded away.
The Celtics have managed to remain afloat so far, currently at 13-9. That record will be tested against James and the Lakers, who are favored to win, as the Lakers are one of the few teams with two generational talents on their roster. On the other hand, both Jaylen Brown and Tatum are unlikely to play.
Although James struggled to score in the recent game against the Raptors, he delivered the game-winning assist, showing he remains a valuable asset to the team. Dončić’s absence also puts more pressure on other players on the Lakers’ roster, such as Austin Reaves.
With neither Brown nor Tatum at full strength, the Lakers will be expected to win and further improve their record.