Is Luka Doncic playing tonight vs the Toronto Raptors? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star's injury report (January 18, 2026)

The Los Angeles Lakers face uncertainty heading into their January 18, 2026 home game against the Toronto Raptors. Luka Doncic is listed as questionable with left groin soreness, leaving his status unclear just hours before tip-off.

The Lakers are coming off a loss to Portland on the first night of a back-to-back, a game Doncic sat out as the team managed the injury.With little rest between games, the Lakers must decide whether to play their star guard or hold him out again. That decision could shape how the matchup unfolds against a Raptors team dealing with injuries of its own.

Luka Doncic’s Status vs. Toronto Raptors (January 18, 2026)

Luka Doncic did not play against Portland and remains questionable for this matchup.

The issue is left groin soreness, an injury teams usually approach cautiously, especially with a player who handles the ball as much as he does.

If he sits again, it would mark his eighth missed game of the season. The Lakers are 4-4 in games he has not played, a split that highlights how much his presence matters to their offense and late-game execution.

Los Angeles Lakers Standings and Game Context

The Los Angeles Lakers enter the night at 24-16, sitting sixth in the Western Conference.

Despite playing at home, they open as 1.5-point underdogs. That line reflects concerns about fatigue and uncertainty surrounding Doncic’s availability.LeBron James is also listed as questionable with foot soreness and sciatica. He logged 32 minutes the previous night, and if Doncic is unavailable, James would likely be asked to shoulder a heavier load again.

Luka Doncic’s Impact This Season

When he plays, Luka Doncic has been one of the league’s most productive players.

He is averaging 33.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists while shooting 46.8 percent from the field. The Lakers are 20-12 in games he has appeared in.His recent 39-point performance against Charlotte showed how central he is to the offense. Without his scoring and playmaking, the Lakers tend to rely more on secondary options and slower half-court sets.

Raptors Dealing With Injuries

The Toronto Raptors arrive short-handed. RJ Barrett is out with a knee injury, Jakob Poeltl remains sidelined with a back issue, and Immanuel Quickley is questionable.

Even with those concerns, Toronto has been strong on the road this season, posting a 15-7 record.Scottie Barnes is expected to lead the offense, with added scoring opportunities for players like Gradey Dick if the Lakers struggle defensively.

What to Watch Before Tip-Off

A final decision on Doncic is expected closer to the 7:30 PM PT start time. If he plays, the Lakers add their primary offensive driver back into the lineup. If he does not, Los Angeles is likely to rely more heavily on James, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura to stay competitive.