Nightmare In LA: Luka Doncic Sidelined As Injury Woes Deepen For Lakers

Last Updated:December 21, 2025, 15:50 IST

Lakers lost Luka Doncic to a left leg contusion during a 103-88 defeat to LA Clippers, raising concerns for Los Angeles' playoff hopes.

Lakers' Luka Doncic (AP)

The Lakers’ injury woes went from bad to worse on Saturday night.

Already without Rui Hachimura, DeAndre Ayton, and Austin Reaves, the Purple & Gold lost their biggest star as well, with Luka Doncic ruled out at halftime of a 103-88 defeat to the LA Clippers.

Doncic suffered a left leg contusion during the first half and never returned after the break, catching fans and media by surprise. Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed postgame that the Slovenian star was clearly struggling late in the second quarter.

“I saw him hobbling towards the end of the first half. He came to me at halftime and said he couldn’t go," Redick said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, adding that he was awaiting further updates from the medical staff.

The injury is not related to the lower left leg contusion that sidelined Dončić for three games in October. According to ESPN, Saturday’s setback occurred following a collision with Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Before exiting, Doncic logged 20 minutes, finishing with 12 points, five rebounds and two assists. He shot just 4-of-13 from the field and committed four turnovers, hinting he may have been playing through discomfort even before leaving the game. The Lakers trailed 54-39 at halftime and never recovered.

LeBron James did everything he could to keep Los Angeles afloat, pouring in 36 points, but stressed the need for others to step up in Dončić’s absence.

“No matter what the circumstances are, it’s still next man up," LeBron said. “We’re all professionals. We’ve got to stay ready."

Despite the loss, the Lakers remain fourth in the Western Conference. The real concern, however, is Doncic’s availability moving forward. If the five-time All-Star misses extended time again, Los Angeles’ hopes of proving themselves as early 2025-26 contenders could take a serious hit.

For now, all eyes are on the medical update — because the Lakers’ season may hinge on Doncic’s health.

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