The Los Angeles Lakers could be forced to rethink their rotation after Luka Doncic exited Thursday night’s 43-point loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder with an apparent left hamstring injury. The All-Star guard was hurt midway through the third quarter at Paycom Center, leaving LeBron James and Austin Reaves to finish the game without their primary playmaker.
Doncic is scheduled for an MRI on Friday to determine the severity of the injury. Until results are known, the Lakers have not established a recovery timetable.
James: “Nothing is rattled”
Speaking on Spectrum SportsNet after the game, James said the team would stay steady while awaiting updates. “Nothing has changed,” he noted. “We’ll obviously be tested with the head of the snake out. Don’t want to make conclusions, but we’ll see what happens with him and then we’ll go from there.”
Asked whether his responsibilities might increase, the 21-year veteran replied, “I don’t know what role will be asked of me. I’ve been in this one for a minute now, so it will be an adjustment. We’ll see.”
Health remains a priority
The Lakers have already clinched a week of rest between the end of the regular season and the opening round of the playoffs. James emphasized that break, saying, “Health is wealth, obviously. We’re already without Marcus right now, and now Luka—we don’t know what the timetable is.”
Marcus Smart nearing return
Marcus Smart, sidelined the past six games, is expected to rejoin the lineup soon. While his return will not fully offset a potential absence for Doncic, the Lakers welcome the boost from their top perimeter defender and emotional leader.
Los Angeles will finalize its game plan once medical evaluations on Doncic are complete.
Source: LakersNation.com
