Luka Doncic Downplays Late-Game Groin Issue After Lakers’ Season-Opening Loss
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LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic said a groin tweak that left him limping late in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 119-109 defeat to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night is “probably nothing.”
The 26-year-old guard appeared to suffer the injury in the closing minutes at Crypto.com Arena and needed roughly 90 minutes before meeting reporters, time he spent receiving treatment. “Just felt it a little bit because my hip went the opposite way,” Doncic explained. “It’s probably nothing.”
The Lakers are already playing without LeBron James, making Doncic’s health critical. In his first regular-season game since a dramatic off-season body transformation, the four-time All-Star delivered 43 points on 17-of-27 shooting, 12 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block over 41 minutes.
Doncic credited improved conditioning for his aggressive play. “Probably just more attacking the paint,” he said. “I think I’m getting better on the defensive end, just trying to get more involved, more communication. I was less tired and in better shape.”
The Lakers do not play again until Friday, giving Doncic two full days to recover. Head coach JJ Redick, who has repeatedly cited Doncic as a potential Most Valuable Player candidate, reiterated that belief. “He’s motivated by winning,” Redick said. “If we win at a high level, he will be in that conversation for MVP.”
Los Angeles will look for its first victory of 2025-26 when it hosts its next opponent at the end of the week.
Source: LakersNation.com
