Doncic downplays leg treatment after 43-point opener; Lakers eye LeBron’s return
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Los Angeles guard Luka Doncic received post-game treatment on the inside of his right leg following the Lakers’ season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, but both the player and the club say the issue is minor.
“It’s probably nothing,” Doncic told reporters after logging a team-high 41 minutes and finishing with 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists at Chase Center. The 26-year-old said he felt the area after his “hip went the opposite way” during the contest.
Head coach JJ Redick echoed that optimism on Wednesday. “He seems to be fine. I don’t think it’s anything major,” Redick said, adding that Doncic participated in a light practice session after receiving treatment earlier in the day.
LeBron’s voice resonates off the floor
The Lakers played without LeBron James, who is recovering from a left ankle injury. Redick said the 40-year-old was “vocal and helpful” during the post-game film review, providing feedback and asking questions as the team dissected its 115-109 defeat.
Vincent seizes early opportunity
Guard Gabe Vincent, largely an afterthought entering training camp, carried his strong preseason form into the opener. “They’ll get everything I have to offer,” Vincent said, noting his focus on winning. Redick praised the 29-year-old’s consistency, saying he wished he had “a team full of Vincents.”
Depth concerns surface
Despite flashes of promise, Tuesday’s performance exposed Los Angeles’ thin bench. Newcomers Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia struggled in their Laker debuts, while the team committed 20 turnovers and missed 11 free throws. Redick cited lapses in early-offense organization, slow transition defense and miscommunication that led to open looks for Golden State.
The Lakers have two days to regroup before hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: Hoops Rumors
