Doncic to Miss Lakers-76ers Game with Left Leg Soreness
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The Los Angeles Lakers announced that guard Luka Doncic will not play Thursday night against the Philadelphia 76ers because of soreness in his left leg.
Doncic logged 16 minutes in the first half at Crypto.com Arena, finishing with 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and five turnovers while shooting 3-for-10. He limped to the locker room late in the second quarter, did not return for the start of the third and was later ruled out for the remainder of the game.
The severity of the injury has not been disclosed. The timing is a setback for a Lakers roster that had only recently returned to full strength with Austin Reaves rejoining the lineup. With Doncic sidelined, LeBron James and Reaves are expected to assume the primary ball-handling duties, while Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia could see expanded roles.
The All-Star break is slightly more than a week away, potentially giving the Slovenian star additional recovery time if he sits out the exhibition in San Francisco. Team officials have indicated they will approach his All-Star availability with caution unless the injury proves minor.
LeBron James on Playing with Doncic
James recently discussed his partnership with Doncic, saying he has embraced mentoring the 27-year-old guard. “Just trying to lead by example, showing him the way, using my voice, using my example, using everything I can,” James said. “He’s now. It’s not like he’s next. He’s right now. I just love the kid. I love everything about him. I just want him to take his journey as far as he wants to go, and I’m happy to be a small part of his journey.”
Source: Lakers Nation
