The Los Angeles Lakers Face Setback After Rising to Second Seed

The Los Angeles Lakers received unfortunate news following their climb to the second seed in the Western Conference.

The Lakers announced on Monday, March 3, that Luka Dončić is questionable for their road game on Tuesday, March 4, against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a right knee contusion.

Dončić recently averaged 30 points during back-to-back victories over their city rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, helping the Lakers (38-21) overtake the Denver Nuggets (39-22) for the second seed in the West.

The injury happened when Dončić collided knees with Clippers guard Kris Dunn in the first quarter of their latest 108-102 win on Sunday, March 2. Despite the setback, Dončić returned to lead the team with 29 points and shared the team-high nine assists with LeBron James.

Dončić downplayed concerns following the game.

“I think it was on the fall,” Dončić told reporters regarding the contusion. “It’s just a little tight. I got hit in the same spot three straight games, so it’s a struggle, but I’m good.”

If he plays, opposing teams may target his right knee to neutralize him.

Sunday’s game marked Dončić’s eighth appearance with the Lakers since his shocking trade and recovery from a calf injury that sidelined him since last Christmas.

Luka’s Fiery Spirit

Lakers coach JJ Redick showed no worry about Dončić’s injury following another standout performance by the 26-year-old Slovenian.

Dončić displayed passion, often animated after big plays.

“Whenever we needed a bucket or a double team drawn, he delivered — except for the six turnovers,” Redick said. “That spirit of competition, that inner demon, comes out, and it’s fantastic for us.”

Lakers guard Gabe Vincent, who scored nine points starting in Austin Reaves’ place, likened Dončić’s intensity to an anime character.

“It’s like having a guy going Super Saiyan,” Vincent told reporters. “When he’s making great plays and hitting shots, it’s fun. His energy gives us life, especially on defense.”

The Lakers outscored the Clippers by 19 points with Dončić on the floor, second only to Dorian Finney-Smith’s plus-24.

Lakers’ Injury Report

Meanwhile, the 40-year-old LeBron James is probable and expected to play against the Pelicans, who have won four of their last five games.

Austin Reaves (right calf strain) is questionable, while Rui Hachimura (left patellar tendinopathy), Aaron Goodwin (right ankle sprain), and Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery) remain out.

The Lakers are on a six-game winning streak and have won 16 of their last 19 games, surging into the West’s top two. However, with lingering health issues and the league’s third-toughest remaining schedule, sustaining this form will be a challenge, according to Tankathon.

Alder Almo is a basketball journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey.