Lakers’ Luka Dončić Out Against Blazers with Calf Injury

PORTLAND, Ore. — Luka Dončić will miss the Los Angeles Lakers‘ game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday due to left calf injury management, the team announced.

Dončić, who played 33 minutes in a close 100-97 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, finished the game with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. However, he struggled, shooting just 5-for-18 and committing six turnovers.

This marks the first time Dončić will sit out a game due to injury since joining the Lakers earlier this month. He was acquired in a trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks, and he had been sidelined since Christmas Day after suffering a calf strain.

“I’m just excited to come back and play,” Dončić said following the game against the Hornets. “I missed a lot of time. I’ve never missed this much time before, so it’s something new for me.”

Additionally, Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt will also be out due to injury management of his right foot. LeBron James, who missed the All-Star game due to foot and ankle discomfort, is listed as questionable for Thursday.

<p“It’s going to be something that we have to manage for the rest of the season and into the postseason,” James noted about his injury. “But I was happy I was able to get some days off and focus on my treatment.”

The Lakers have a challenging slate ahead; they face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, and Dončić’s absence on Thursday is intended to ensure he is fully recovered for that matchup. The team is currently fifth in the Western Conference standings with a record of 32-21.

In three games with the Lakers, Dončić has averaged 14.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 35.6 percent from the field. In contrast, during his previous 22 games with the Mavericks this season, he averaged 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists, shooting 45 percent.

“It’s likely only a matter of time before he finds his rhythm,” stated an anonymous source close to the team. “We all know what he’s capable of when healthy.”

Los Angeles has been able to adapt to injuries before, recently climbing up the conference standings, but they will need Dončić to perform at his peak to make a significant playoff run this year.

The Lakers’ starting lineup against the Blazers will feature Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, Rui Hachimura, James, and Jaxson Hayes as they look to sustain their position without key players.

Tip-off at the Moda Center in Portland is set for 7:00 PM PST.