The Los Angeles Lakers have battled their share of injury setbacks this season, and Luka Doncic’s latest absence added to those concerns.
Doncic suffered a hamstring injury during the first quarter of the Lakers’ matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 6, forcing him to miss the team’s final four games heading into All-Star weekend.
Head coach JJ Redick had suggested a quick return was possible, with hopes that Doncic could face his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, in the Lakers’ final game before the season pause.
That return never materialized, but the latest developments suggest his comeback may not be far away.
Lakers Star Provides Encouraging Injury Update After All-Star Appearance
Despite missing the Lakers’ final games before the break, Doncic was able to appear for Team World during Sunday’s All-Star Game in Los Angeles.
His involvement was limited to five minutes under a workload restriction, finishing with two points and two assists on 1-of-3 shooting.
Following the game, Doncic offered a positive update on his hamstring, signaling growing confidence in his recovery.
“It was good,” he said on how his hamstring felt, via the New York Post . “Obviously, I wanted to go out there; the fans voted me to be in this game so I wanted to be here, be a part of it a little bit. But it felt good.”
His brief appearance, combined with his comments, reinforced the belief that he remains on track to return when the regular season resumes.
Doncic had already hinted at that possibility during All-Star media availability on Saturday, revealing he hoped to play against Dallas and noting he was “almost there” in his recovery.
Through 42 games, Doncic is averaging an NBA-leading 32.8 points per game while logging 35.5 minutes per contest, the eighth-highest average in the league.
Lakers Prioritizing Long-Term Health as Return Nears
Doncic’s heavy minutes total highlights the physical demands he has carried as the centerpiece of the Lakers’ offense.
He has openly acknowledged managing lingering soreness at various points this season, a reflection of the toll that comes with such sustained responsibility.
The Lakers have already dealt with multiple injury interruptions involving their superstar, including a left finger sprain, recurring leg discomfort, and both lower back and ankle issues that have forced him to miss time.
The team’s next game is scheduled for February 20 against the Los Angeles Clippers , giving Doncic valuable additional recovery time following the All-Star break.
With the All-Star Game held in Los Angeles and a three-game homestand ahead, he can continue ramping up without the added strain of travel.
Even so, the Lakers are expected to remain cautious. The organization has consistently emphasized protecting Doncic’s long-term health, especially with the postseason approaching.
That approach was evident in their handling of Austin Reaves , who recently returned after missing 19 games with a calf injury.
The Lakers delayed his return beyond the initial timeline to ensure he was fully recovered, minimizing the risk of further setbacks.
Doncic’s All-Star appearance may have been brief, but it provided the clearest indication yet that his return is imminent.
For a Lakers team built around his production, his recovery could prove pivotal as they enter a crucial stretch of the season.
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