Luka Doncic Will Sit Out Saturday’s Game Against Portland
Luka Doncic to Miss Lakers’ Upcoming Game Due to Groin Injury
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic will not participate in Saturday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers after being sidelined with left groin soreness, the team announced on Friday.
Doncic, who is currently the NBA’s leading scorer with an average of 33.6 points per game, appeared to show signs of discomfort during a recent loss to the Sacramento Kings. Despite this, he managed to play in the following two games earlier in the week as the Lakers navigated an intense schedule of five games in seven days.
In a recent matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Doncic delivered a standout performance, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ victory. However, he faced challenges in Thursday’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets, where he played a team-high 35 minutes and scored 39 points, marking the Lakers’ fourth defeat in their last five games.
The Lakers, currently holding a 24-15 record, may also face further setbacks against Portland, as both of their centers are listed as questionable. Starter Deandre Ayton is dealing with left knee soreness, while backup Jaxson Hayes has been affected by left hamstring tendinopathy. Ayton has averaged 13.9 points and 8.7 rebounds this season. Hayes has been absent for the past two games, though coach JJ Redick indicated on Thursday that he might return this weekend.
Additionally, forward Adou Thiero remains out due to a right medial collateral ligament sprain. Guard Austin Reaves is approaching the conclusion of his initial four-week recovery timeline for a left calf strain, having aggravated the injury on Christmas Day. He is set to be reevaluated soon.
