Los Angeles, CA – NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic will undergo an MRI on Friday after injuring his left leg during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers. He left the court with just over three minutes left in the first half, showing signs of discomfort in his hamstring. He didn’t reappear for the second half, and the Lakers confirmed that he wouldn’t return due to soreness.
“He didn’t feel ready to go back in,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “It’s too early to tell how serious it is. Just a sore hamstring for now.”
Despite a rocky first half, Doncic had been a standout this season, averaging 33.4 points per game and ranking second in assists at 8.7. He also contributes nearly 8 rebounds per game. In the match, he scored 10 points but struggled with his shooting, missing all four of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Fortunately for the Lakers, they managed to secure a 119-115 win, thanks to teammate Austin Reaves. Reaves shone with 35 points, returning from a 19-game stint on the sidelines due to a calf injury.
Reaves expressed concern for Doncic, saying, “I hope it’s nothing serious. He’s vital for our team.”
The Lakers have faced a challenging season with injuries impacting their star players. Doncic, Reaves, and LeBron James played together for only the tenth time this season before Doncic’s injury. Currently at 31-19, the Lakers are in contention for the playoffs, but their lineup has often been unsettled.
James has missed significant time due to sciatica, while Reaves, despite his recent return, is still finding his rhythm.
Recent stats show that injuries are a common trend in the NBA. A 2023 study by the Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that about 60% of players experience at least one injury during a season. Teams have increasingly turned to sports science to manage player health and prolong careers—yet, injuries still play a massive role in the game, impacting both team performance and fan engagement.
Doncic has been a driving force for the Lakers, recognized as the Western Conference Player of the Month in January, with stellar averages of 34.0 points, shooting 50.6%, along with impressive rebounding and assists. He’s also been named a starter for the upcoming All-Star game at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
As fans wait for MRI results, the Lakers hope for positive news regarding Doncic’s health. They know they will need him and the whole team to perform at their best for the playoff push.
For more coverage on the NBA, check out AP Sports.
Source link
Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Medical diagnostic technology, Athlete injuries, Send to Apple News, TX State Wire, Pennsylvania, NBA, Texas, PA State Wire, California, Sports, NBA basketball, J.J. Redick
