Report: Luka Doncic Out for Lakers vs. Giannis, Bucks amid Ankle Injury Management

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Dončić will miss Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks so he can "manage a sprained right ankle," per ESPN's Dave McMenamin.

Dončić was previously ruled out for last Friday's matchup at the Denver Nuggets due to left calf injury management and a right ankle sprain.

The five-time All-NBA first-teamer has played 16 games for L.A., averaging 26.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.9 steals since the blockbuster Anthony Davis trade last month.

His presence has boosted the team's championship chances, even in a brutally tough Western Conference that features the 57-12 Oklahoma City Thunder (featuring MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) and the 2022-23 champion Denver Nuggets (featuring MVP candidate Nikola Jokić), among other formidable teams.

L.A. is significantly short-handed without him and LeBron James. James has not played since suffering a groin injury on March 8.

The onus lies on players such as Austin Reaves and Gabe Vincent to assume more responsibility in the backcourt whenever Dončić is out.