The Los Angeles Lakers, facing a recent dip in the Western Conference standings due to injuries, received a boost with the return of four players against the Phoenix Suns. However, Luka Dončić remains on the injury report ahead of their crucial matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
Dončić is listed as probable for the game, as he continues to manage lingering injuries. He’s still dealing with a calf injury sustained on Christmas Day with the Dallas Mavericks, which sidelined him until his Lakers debut on February 10th.
More recently, he’s been nursing a right ankle sprain, the official reason for his current injury report listing. After the win against the Suns, Dončić expressed optimism about his recovery.
Los Angeles Lakers: Luka Doncic Feeling Better, But Still Injury Prone
“Yeah, I’m obviously getting there. But like I always say, everyday I’m feeling better,” he said. “Physically I got my knee that hyperextended my ankle again, but I’m good.”
With the Nuggets coming to town and the Western Conference playoff picture tightening, the Lakers need Dončić at his peak performance. He recently acknowledged Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets as a significant threat in the West.
Since joining the Lakers, Dončić has played in 15 games, averaging 26.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 1.9 steals in just over 34 minutes per game, with shooting splits of 40% from the field, 33.6% from three-point range, and 77.6% from the free-throw line.
In addition to Dončić, Trey Jemison is listed as questionable due to illness. LeBron James and Rui Hachimura remain out.