LeBron James Says Luka Doncic's Illness Was 'Big Blow' to Lakers in G3 Loss vs. Wolves

A stomach illness contributed to Luka Dončić having his worst performance of the playoffs so far in the Los Angeles Lakers' 116-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their Western Conference series on Friday night.

Speaking to reporters following the game, LeBron James called Dončić's illness a "big blow" to the Lakers and how they played.

"Obviously, with his illness, it impacts our team," James said. "We understand what he brings to our team and what he's done since the acquisition. It definitely took a big blow for our team."

Head coach JJ Redick said Dončić, who didn't talk to the media postgame, wasn't "feeling well for the last 24 hours." Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times added the five-time All-Star received "extensive" treatment from the training and medical staff after the game.

The Lakers didn't include Dončić on their pregame injury report and played him 40 minutes on Friday night. He didn't look like his usual self, finishing with 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting, eight assists, seven rebounds and five turnovers.

Dončić's 17 points were his second-fewest in a playoff game, ahead of only the 13 he had against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2020 postseason.

If there is anything positive to take away from Game 3 for the Lakers, James had his best performance in weeks with 38 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Even with Dončić's struggles, the Lakers kept the game close until the end. The score was tied at 103 with under five minutes remaining in regulation before Minnesota closed on a 13-1 run.

As long as the Lakers can get their two best players on the same page at the same time, they could certainly win this series.

For now, though, the Lakers will look to rebound against the Timberwolves in Game 4 on Sunday to avoid falling in a 3-1 hole.