Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty) Luka Doncic is expected to play tonight when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Detroit Pistons on December 30, 2025. He is not listed with any injury and is available for the game at Crypto.com Arena.The night also marks LeBron James’ 41st birthday, adding extra attention to the matchup. Doncic comes in leading the league in scoring at 33.7 points per game, along with 8.3 rebounds and 8.6 assists, numbers he has posted since joining the Lakers in the February trade from Dallas.
Luka Doncic’s health and recent play
Luka Doncic does not carry an injury designation after dealing with a left leg contusion earlier this month. That issue cost him a short stretch, but he returned on Christmas Day against Houston and handled heavy minutes without problems. He followed that up with a 34-point performance against Sacramento.The Lakers have kept an eye on his workload, but head coach JJ Redick has not indicated any limits for this game. Doncic remains the center of the offense, controlling possessions and creating most of the team’s scoring chances.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report vs Detroit Pistons (December 30, 2025)
Los Angeles Lakers are short-handed outside of Luka Doncic. Rui Hachimura is out with right calf soreness. Austin Reaves is sidelined for about a month due to a grade 2 left calf strain. Gabe Vincent remains out with a lumbar back issue. Jaxson Hayes has cleared his ankle injury and will play, while Drew Timme is questionable as he continues through concussion protocol.Because of these absences, the Lakers are again adjusting their rotation. This will be the 16th different starting lineup used this season, with bench players such as Nick Smith Jr. seeing larger roles.
Detroit’s status and defensive focus
Detroit’s injury list is shorter. Caris LeVert is questionable with left knee soreness after leaving the previous game early. Bobi Klintman, Wendell Moore Jr., and Isaac Jones are out, though none are regular rotation players.The Pistons continue to rely on Cade Cunningham, who leads their defense while averaging 28 points and 13 assists. His size and control shape how Detroit handles high-usage scorers.Also read: Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Detroit Pistons? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s injury report (December 30, 2025)
Game outlook
The Los Angeles Lakers enter around 20-10, while Detroit sits at 24-8 and leads the East. Luka Doncic is shooting 46.2 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from three, numbers that will be tested by Detroit’s defense. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.