Lakers Await Update on Six-Time All-Star’s Status for Matchup Against the Warriors
The Los Angeles Lakers face uncertainty heading into the next phase of their season after their six-time all-star guard, Luka Dončić, exited Thursday’s February 5th game against the Philadelphia 76ers with left leg soreness and will undergo an MRI on Friday to evaluate the issue. He was ruled out for the remainder after departing late in the second quarter and, despite the Lakers’ victory, his early exit immediately shifted focus to what lies ahead for the team. Head coach JJ Redick confirmed that the soreness will be assessed through imaging before the team progresses with plans for Saturday’s home game against the Golden State Warriors, though he noted it is still “too early to say if there’s an injury.” With such a quick turnaround on the schedule, the Lakers now face a critical decision about his availability that could show through their upcoming slate of tough matchups.
There is some optimism among Lakers insiders that the soreness may not be a severe setback. Yet, sources have indicated the guard is doubtful for the Saturday game against the Warriors as the team awaits the MRI results. That contest is just the beginning of a stretch that includes other challenging opponents, including teams like the Thunder and Spurs, before the all-star break. Players and fans are watching closely, knowing that his presence, or absence, could dramatically influence the Lakers’ momentum and seeding in the tightly packed Western Conference.
Without him on the court, the Los Angeles supporting cast, led by veterans and rising contributors, will need to step up to maintain the team’s competitiveness. In Thursday’s game, bench standout Austin Reaves erupted for 35 points, helping the Lakers complete a comeback and secure the win, showcasing the potential for the roster to function even with a top scorer sidelined. However, such efforts can only go so far against high-caliber opponents, and sustaining this level of performance over multiple games will truly be crucial if he is unavailable for more than just one matchup. The Lakers could also use this period to find new offensive rhythms and defensive cohesion that might pay dividends later in the season.
Looking further ahead, the timing of this evaluation, so close to the all-star break, offers a small silver lining, which is that extended rest and treatment could improve his chances of returning healthy for the stretch run of the season. However, projecting how long he might actually miss remains speculative without the MRI results. If the imaging reveals a more significant issue, the Lakers may choose to prioritize long-term health over short-term gains, especially with the playoffs looming. Such decisions could ultimately shape the Lakers’ trajectory heading into the postseason.
Additionally, the timing of this uncertainty places even more emphasis on the Lakers’ recent trade-deadline move, which brought much-needed three-point shooting to the roster. With added spacing now available, Los Angeles has an opportunity to offset some offensive pressure if their six-time all-star guard is forced to miss time. The acquisition gives the coaching staff more flexibility in rotations and could help stabilize the offense during short-term absences. How effectively that shooting boost shows on the floor may play a key role in determining whether the Lakers can handle this stretch without losing ground.
