Lakers could have big Luka Doncic injury problem, insider reveals

The Los Angeles Lakers quickly turned things around against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night. 

The 17-time NBA champions faced a 14-point third-quarter deficit, but rallied to escape with a 119-115 home victory over the Tyrese Maxey-led 76ers. 

Austin Reaves finished the contest with 35 points on 70.5% field goal shooting and 62.5% from three-point land, which was needed considering Luka Doncic exited the contest in the first half with a leg injury. 

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Doncic and Los Angeles could have a big injury problem moving forward.

“It really comes down to, is this a mild strain, a first-degree?” Windhorst said on ‘Get Up’, per Heavy’s Alder Almo. “If that’s the case, the All-Star break comes next week, and he could be back without missing too many games. If it’s a more serious Grade 2, now you’ve got a bigger problem.”

There’s no doubt the Lakers’ ceiling would be lower with Doncic out of the franchise’s lineup for an extended period. Reaves has proven he’s capable of leading Los Angeles to victory without Doncic by his side, with the Lakers’ latest comeback win being evidence of that. 

That said, the Lakers aren’t a championship-caliber team without their recently acquired point guard. Of course, Los Angeles has holes even with Doncic available, but his presence gives the 17-time NBA champions the best chance to succeed at the highest level. 

Hopefully, Doncic’s lower body injury isn’t significant.

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