Luka Doncic injury update: The Los Angeles Lakers opened their NBA season with a 119-109 defeat to the Golden State Warriors, but the spotlight was on Luka Doncic, who scored 43 points and later received treatment on the inside of his right leg. Despite the scare, the Lakers star downplayed the concern.
“It’s probably nothing,” Doncic said after emerging at the postgame news conference nearly an hour and a half after the final buzzer. “Just felt it a little bit because my hip went [the opposite] way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing.”
Luka Doncic Dominates in Season Opener
Doncic was in top form before the minor tweak, almost carrying the Lakers’ offense single-handedly. He posted 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, staying on the floor for a game-high 41 minutes. On the defensive end, he looked noticeably sharper and added two steals.
“I think I’m getting better on the defensive end, I’m just trying to get more involved, more communication [with his teammates],” Doncic said. “But overall, 41 minutes, so I like that.”
His offseason focus on fitness paid off. Doncic relentlessly attacked the rim, converting 13 of 14 attempts in the paint and going 15-for-17 on two-point shots, per ESPN Research.
Turnovers and Third-Quarter Slump Prove Costly
While Doncic impressed, the Lakers struggled to protect the ball. The team committed 20 turnovers, which led to 22 Golden State points. Doncic had three of those miscues and went just 2-for-10 from beyond the arc, adding to the team’s cold shooting night of 8-for-32 from three.
Golden State seized control in the third quarter, outscoring L.A. 35-25, a familiar trend from last season.
“The trend I see is that we continue to be a terrible third-quarter team,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “That was last year. That was the preseason. Gotta rethink some things and it’s, you know, a two-way thing with the guys. What do they need at halftime to make sure they’re ready to play? They’re not ready to play to start the third quarter.”
Next Stop: Timberwolves at Home
With two practice sessions ahead, the Lakers aim to reset before facing the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. Doncic’s quick reassurance suggests the hip issue won’t sideline him. The team hopes to fix its third-quarter woes and turnover problems before the next matchup.
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