The Lakers will be without star Luka Doncic on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors, but early indications suggest the hamstring issue that forced him out of Los Angeles’ Thursday game may not be as damaging as it initially looked.
ESPN reported that there is initial optimism that Doncic avoided a major injury and long-term absence, even as the team ruled him out with a left hamstring strain.
Doncic exited the Lakers’ 119-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers late in the second quarter after grabbing at his hamstring on a step-back, then was shut down for the remainder of the night.
The Lakers initially labeled it left leg soreness, and coach JJ Redick said postgame that Doncic “felt some soreness in his hamstring,” prompting the medical staff to hold him out as a precaution. An MRI was scheduled for Friday.
Before leaving, Doncic had 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting with four rebounds, two assists and five turnovers in 16 minutes. For the season, Doncic is averaging 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists on 47.3% shooting.
The timing is tricky in a packed Western Conference, as the Lakers have been hovering around the middle of the playoff picture, attempting to avoid the play-in, with the Phoenix Suns just a game behind in seventh place.
The schedule doesn’t ease up after Saturday, with home games against the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, then a visit from the Dallas Mavericks before All-Star weekend in Inglewood, Calif.
