Will Luka Doncic Play for Lakers vs. Raptors? NBA Star's Status Revealed

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Wednesday that superstar guard Luka Dončić will miss Thursday's matchup against the Toronto Raptors for personal reasons.

Marcus Smart has also been ruled out due to lower back injury management.

Dončić, 26, is having an epic 2025-26 season. he currently leads the NBA in scoring (35.3 PPG), is fourth in assists (8.9 APG) and is fifth in threes made per game (3.7). He's also pulling down 8.9 rebounds per game and is shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 34.1 percent from three.

His hot start has been a major reason why the Lakers have opened with a 15-5 record, currently second in the West behind only the inevitable Oklahoma City Thunder, who are an incredible 21-1.

His last appearance didn't go to plan, however, as Dončić had nine turnovers in Monday's 125-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns. That snapped the Lakers' seven-game winning streak.

"That was my fault," he told reporters after the game. "No way I can have nine turnovers in a game."

Dončić did score 20 points in the first quarter alone and finished with 38 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists, but he credited Phoenix's defensive scheme and blamed his decision-making for the loss.

"I feel like it definitely was a different defense than other teams [play]," he said. "Kind of trying to let me go score instead of creating for others. So, it was kind of confusing, but like I said, just can't have it."

Call it a blip in an otherwise absurd season. His impact is basically impossible for the Lakers to replicate, especially against a surprising Raptors team that has opened the season 15-7 and currently sits second in the Eastern Conference.