Luka Doncic Set to Play Without Minutes Restriction Against Hornets

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Luka Doncic is poised to return to full speed as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night. Coach JJ Redick announced that Doncic is expected to play without any minutes restriction following a gradual reintegration into the team’s lineup.

Doncic’s return to prominence comes after a significant injury layoff; he had missed 6 1/2 weeks due to a strained left calf suffered while playing for the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day. Since his trade to the Lakers on February 2, Doncic has participated in two games, gradually increasing his playtime.

“He’ll be fine,” Redick told reporters after the Lakers’ first practice following the All-Star break. “The extra five, six days of the All-Star break was good for him. His minutes will be up on Wednesday, and I don’t think that there are going to be any sort of restrictions going forward.”

During his time with the Lakers, Doncic played just over 23 minutes in each game against the Utah Jazz, where he scored a total of 30 points and recorded nine rebounds and eight assists across both outings. The Lakers split the matchups against Utah, winning at home 132-113 before dropping a close 131-119 decision on the road.

In the upcoming game, the Lakers are also navigating the potential absence of forward LeBron James, who is listed as questionable due to a sore left foot and ankle. James had missed the team’s final game before the All-Star break and ended his 20-year streak of All-Star participations due to injury.

As the Lakers resume their season, they face the Hornets, who are mired in a three-game losing streak and stand 14th in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers, sitting fifth in the Western Conference, are determined to maintain their position and avoid falling into the NBA Play-In Tournament.

After missing his chance to participate in the All-Star Weekend events, Doncic is eager to show his full capabilities on the court. As Los Angeles prepares for three games in four days, including matches against the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets, his return is viewed as crucial for the team’s postseason ambitions.