UPDATE: Lakers star Luka Doncic is now considered “day-to-day” following a diagnosis of a lower left leg contusion, according to head coach JJ Redick. The injury occurred during Saturday’s game against the Clippers, and Doncic was seen with a wrap around his leg at practice on Monday.
Doncic suffered the injury when he was kneed by Clippers player Bogdan Bogdanovic during the first quarter. This incident led to Doncic being ruled out at halftime, finishing the game with just 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting, including 1-for-6 from beyond the arc.
The Lakers are facing mounting injury concerns ahead of their critical matchup with the Phoenix Suns on December 19, 2023. Alongside Doncic, Austin Reaves (left calf strain) and Rui Hachimura (right groin soreness) are also listed as day-to-day, while Gabe Vincent is sidelined with low back soreness.
Redick emphasized the need for Reaves to regain full confidence before returning to the court. “It’s when he feels 100% confidence, and he doesn’t feel it hurting,” he stated.
In a positive turn, Lakers starting center Deandre Ayton will return against the Suns after missing two games due to left elbow soreness. Ayton explained, “I think I just hyperextended it a little bit. A little tightness, we checked it out.”
In addition to injury updates, Ayton was recently honored with the Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for his philanthropic work in the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Los Angeles. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have pledged $20,000 to the Ayton Family Foundation to support ongoing community initiatives. “I’m speechless, to be honest,” Ayton shared. “It’s something I didn’t expect. I tried my best to give back and just contribute.”
Fans are eager for the Lakers to bounce back in their upcoming game. The showdown against the Suns is set for 6 p.m. PT at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, broadcasted on Spectrum SportsNet and 710 AM radio.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops and the Lakers prepare for their pivotal game.
