Luka Doncic Injury Concerns Fans as LeBron, Lakers Suffer Blowout Loss to SGA, Thunder
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić suffered a left hamstring injury during his team's 139-86 road loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday evening.
With 7:40 or so left in the third quarter, Dončić took the ball and began driving into the paint with OKC forward Jalen Williams guarding him. After spinning, Dončić pulled up and tossed the ball behind his back and out-of-bounds. Dončić limped to the baseline and then went down on the court in clear pain.
Shortly afterward, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Dončić would not return due to the left hamstring ailment.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters postgame that Dončić would undergo an MRI.
First and foremost, hopefully the injury isn't too serious and Dončić is well ASAP.
Secondly, there's obviously a time element here with the playoffs beginning April 18 and 19. The 50-27 Lakers, who sit third in the Western Conference, have already clinched their spot. They have five more regular season games from April 5-12 before the postseason.
The question now is when Dončić can return and whether he can be good to go for the playoffs. He entered this game averaging 33.8 points, 8.3 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game. Simply put, he's an invaluable member of the team, and the Lakers can only go so far as he can take them.
Dončić suffered a left hamstring injury earlier this year and missed four games. It's unclear how long he'll be out for now, but fans are concerned.
On a less important note, Dončić would be ineligible for NBA awards and honors if he misses the rest of the regular season, as he would have played 64 games (one short of the 65-game mark needed).
As for the game, the Thunder scored 44 first quarter points and never looked back. OKC led 44-21 after one, 82-51 at halftime and 112-67 after three quarters.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all players with 28 points (alongside seven assists and seven rebounds) and strengthened his NBA MVP case.
Isaiah Joe scored 20 off the bench, Lu Dort made all four of his first quarter three-pointers and Jalen Williams stuffed the stat sheet with 10 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The first-place Thunder improved to 61-16 with the win.
Austin Reaves led L.A. with 15 points. LeBron James added 13 points. Obviously, a lot of weight will be placed on their shoulders if Dončić has to sit.
