Luka Doncic and LeBron James injury update for Pacers matchup

Fans had hoped Luka Doncic might make his return from injury and debut for the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday against the Indiana Pacers. However, it seems they will need to wait a bit longer, as LeBron James might also be sidelined due to injury.

The latest news regarding Luka Doncic’s injury isn’t too surprising, as Lakers head coach JJ Redick previously mentioned that Monday’s game against the Utah Jazz was the most likely return date.

Doncic has been out since Christmas Day, when he was still playing for the Dallas Mavericks, due to a calf injury sustained during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The news regarding LeBron James’ injury is a bit unexpected. James has been downgraded to doubtful for the Pacers game due to left ankle soreness. He has been dealing with a foot injury all season, which caused him to miss three games in December.

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Lakers’ LeBron James downgraded to doubtful for Pacers game

James recently posted a 42-point, 17-rebound performance in the Lakers’ win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. With this stat line, James became the oldest player in NBA history to score 40 points in a game, surpassing Michael Jordan.

It’s possible the Lakers might welcome their new starting center, Mark Williams, to the lineup against the Pacers. Williams is officially listed as questionable, as his trade is still pending. Before the Lakers played the Warriors, Redick couldn’t comment on the deal, as it had not been finalized by the NBA.

Austin Reaves also appears on the latest injury report as questionable due to a left elbow contusion. If the Lakers are indeed short-handed against the Pacers, help may arrive in the form of Jordan Goodwin, who signed a two-way contract on Friday.