Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić is having another standout season. He’s leading the league in scoring, averaging 32.8 points per game on 47.3% shooting from the field. He’s also contributing 8.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game, helping the Lakers to a 31-19 record, tied for fourth in the Western Conference with the Houston Rockets.
Unfortunately, Dončić left Thursday’s 119-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers with a left leg injury.
What Is Luka Dončić’s Status and Return Timeline After Thursday’s Leg Injury?
Dončić exited Thursday night’s game with 3:03 remaining in the first half and was seen kicking the scorer’s table on his way out, playing just nearly 16 minutes and finishing with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. He was visibly frustrated by the injury.
Lakers coach J.J. Redick provided a brief outline of Dončić’s condition and the next steps.
“Yeah, 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 game (per ESPN). “Neither did [our] medical [staff], so we held him out. And he’ll get some imaging. I mean, too early to say if there’s an injury, but just had a sore hamstring.”
It was later reported that Dončić sustained a hamstring injury.
Dončić has dealt with various leg issues throughout the season, which caused him to miss eight games prior to this latest setback.
Although any injury to a player of Dončić’s stature is cause for concern, ESPN NBA Insider Dave McMenamin reports the Lakers may not have a significant reason to worry.
“There is some initial optimism that Luka Dončić is not dealing with a major issue with his left hamstring, however the Lakers star is doubtful to play Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, sources told ESPN,” McMenamin reported on X.
There is some initial optimism that Luka Doncic is not dealing with a major issue with his left hamstring, however the Lakers star is doubtful to play Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, sources told ESPN
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 6, 2026
That could be encouraging news for the Lakers, who need Dončić to make a postseason run.
“Hopefully nothing major,” Lakers guard Austin Reaves said when asked about the injury. “We need him, he’s our best player and the engine [for] a lot of the stuff we do. Hopefully, we get good news tomorrow, and I wish him nothing but the best.”
Reeves also understands how lingering an injury can be. The guard, who is averaging 26.5 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game while shooting 51.1% from the field, 37.2% from 3, and 86.9% from the free throw line, recently returned from a 19-game absence caused by a left calf strain in the Lakers’ 125-109 victory over the Brooklyn Nets
Thursday’s win marked only the 10th time Dončić, Reaves, and LeBron James have shared the floor this season. Unless Dončić’s status changes in the next 24 hours, the trio will have to wait at least one more game before reaching No. 11.
The Lakers and Warriors are scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET Saturday, with the game airing on ABC.
