The Los Angeles Lakers’ loss to the LA Clippers on Saturday night came with a bigger concern than the final score. Luka Dončić exited the game at halftime and did not return, with the team later describing the issue as a left leg contusion and listed him as day-to-day.
Dončić left the arena without speaking to reporters, and head coach JJ Redick offered limited clarity afterward.
“I saw him hobbling towards the end of the first half,” Redick said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “He came to me at halftime and said he couldn’t go… I don’t have any other information.”
The injury appeared to affect Dončić well before halftime. The NBA’s leading scorer managed just 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting, including 1-of-6 from three, in a rare off night.
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A Mysterious Exit and a Familiar Timeline
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What made Dončić’s absence puzzling was the lack of a clear moment. He played the final minutes of the second quarter and even delivered a crisp assist to LeBron James late in the half. Only afterward did it become clear he wouldn’t return.
According to ESPN, the injury was unrelated to a similar lower leg contusion Dončić suffered in October. A Lakers source said the issue occurred after a collision with Bogdan Bogdanović in the second quarter.
That October injury sidelined Dončić for three games, creating speculation that he could miss at least a week. However, the Lakers’ upcoming schedule is lighter, including just two games between Tuesday and Christmas Day.
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Dončić’s injury adds to an already long list. Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Austin Reaves, and Gabe Vincent have all missed time recently, though Reaves and Ayton are expected back soon.
James emphasized resilience after the loss.
“No matter what the circumstances are, it’s still next man up,” James said. “We all got to stay ready.”
Bigger Stakes Ahead
Dončić is averaging 34.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists, leading the league in scoring as he pushes for a second straight scoring title. The Lakers are hopeful this setback is brief, but his availability looms large over their holiday stretch — and their long-term aspirations.
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