Luka Doncic, LeBron James receive significant injury updates ahead of Pacers game
Fans had hoped that Luka Doncic might make his return from injury and debut with the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers, but it seems they will have to wait a little longer. The Lakers may also be without LeBron James due to injury concerns.
The latest update on Doncic’s injury is not entirely surprising, as Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned that Monday’s game against the Utah Jazz was the most probable date for his debut.
Doncic has been sidelined since Christmas Day while with the Dallas Mavericks, after suffering a calf injury during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The injury news concerning the Lakers, however, is a bit unexpected, as LeBron James has been downgraded to doubtful due to left ankle soreness. James has been battling a foot injury for much of the season, which caused him to miss three games in December.
Lakers’ LeBron James faces injury setback for Pacers matchup
James is coming off a remarkable 42-point, 17-rebound performance in the Lakers’ win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. With that effort, James became the oldest player in NBA history to score 40 points in a game, surpassing Michael Jordan.
However, the Lakers might see their new starting center, Mark Williams, join the lineup against the Pacers. Williams is officially listed as questionable as the trade is still pending. Prior to the Lakers’ game against the Warriors on Thursday, Redick could not comment on the trade as it had not yet been finalized by the NBA.
Austin Reaves also appeared on the injury report, listed as questionable due to a left elbow contusion. If the Lakers are indeed shorthanded for the Pacers game, assistance could come from Jordan Goodwin, who signed a two-way contract on Friday.
