Luka Doncic was expected to play the All-Star NBA match after training
The Los Angeles Lakers enter the NBA All-Star break in a surprisingly precarious situation. They are fifth in the Western Conference at 33-21 after Thursday’s loss to the Dallas Mavericks. But injuries caused chaos during the first half, with Luka Dončić as the last to fall.
Doncic suffered a hamstring injury last week, missed the last few games. But on Friday it was revealed that Doncic did intending to play at the All-Star Game on Sunday, according to Marc Stein.
The Lakers superstar was at practice before the game on Thursday. Apparently it went well enough to get the green light for at least limited action.
That sets the stage for Doncic to get his Lakers back after the break. Los Angeles opens the second half of the season next Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
At this point, every game is crucial for a place in the playoffs. Only three games separate the 3rd seeded Denver Nuggets and the 7th seeded Phoenix Suns. The Lakers are a half game behind the Houston Rockets for fourth and percentage points ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
During the four games without Doncic, Los Angeles was 2-2. They beat the hapless Golden State Warriors and Mavs, while losing to the contenders. First, the Oklahoma City Thunder won 119-110. That was followed by a suffocation by the San Antonio Spurs at home.
Before Luka fell, they had just arrived Austin Reeves is back from injury. Reaves missed most of the season with a calf injury. The trio of Doncic, Reaves and LeBron James barely played together this season.
If the Lakers want any chance to compete with the best in the West, they will need all hands on deck.
2026-02-13 20:32:00
