The Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, right before the start of the NBA All-Star Break. However, it appears L.A. will be without star guard Luka Doncic, as he continues to deal with an injury.
Reports indicate that Doncic, who turns 27 in late February, will not play against the Mavericks due to a hamstring strain, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. It will be Doncic's fourth straight missed game for the Lakers. But he hopes to participate in the All-Star Game playing for the World Team.
“Luka Doncic (hamstring strain) will not play against Dallas on Thursday, missing his fourth straight game, sources told ESPN. He is still progressing in his rehab and hopes to be able to make an appearance in Sunday's All-Star game for the World Team, sources said.”
The eight-year veteran has played in 42 games so far this season. It appears the Lakers are being cautious with his hamstring injury, giving him plenty of rest right before his sixth-career All-Star appearance.
In the games he has played, Luka Doncic is averaging 32.8 points (leads NBA), 7.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per contest. He's also shooting 47.3% from the floor and 34.5% from beyond the three-point line. Luke Kennard and Jake LaRavia are expected to receive increased playing time with Doncic sidelined once again.
A win over the Mavericks on Thursday will lock the Lakers in fifth-place in the Western Conference for the All-Star Break before resuming the back end of the regular season. Although this will be the fourth-straight game without Doncic, the fact that he is considering playing in the All-Star Game suggests he'll be ready to return to action after the break.
