(2026-01-17 18:11:00) – Luka Doncic will miss the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday due to groin discomfort, the team has announced.
The Lakers star will sit out the first of back-to-back games as the team manages a muscle issue that has been bothering him for several days.
- Luka Doncic will miss Saturday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
- The injury is a groin muscle discomfort that has been ongoing for a few days.
- deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes are also listed as doubtful for the game.
- LeBron James is expected to play against Portland.
Doncic will be sidelined for the Lakers’ contest against the Trail Blazers, as a precaution related to a muscle discomfort in his groin, according to reports. The team is being cautious with the injury, which he has reportedly been experiencing for the past few days.
Did you know? – The Lakers are playing a back-to-back, meaning games on consecutive nights. This increases the risk of injury and frequently enough leads teams to rest key players as a preventative measure.
Following the game in Portland, the Lakers will host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena. Doncic’s availability for that game is currently uncertain and will be re-evaluated,sources say.
In addition to Doncic, Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes are listed as doubtful for the game against the Blazers. However, LeBron James is expected to be available for Saturday’s matchup.
Pro tip – Groin injuries are common in basketball due to the fast changes in direction and explosive movements. Proper warm-up and stretching are crucial for prevention.
Why It Matters
Luka Doncic’s absence is a important setback for the Los Angeles Lakers as they face the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. The team confirmed the star guard will miss the game due to ongoing groin discomfort, an issue he’s been managing for several days. The Lakers, currently battling for playoff positioning, will need to overcome this hurdle without one of their primary offensive threats.
Who: Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ star guard, is the central figure in this injury report. Also affected are teammates Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, listed as doubtful, and LeBron James, who is expected to play.
What: Doncic is experiencing muscle discomfort in his groin, prompting the Lakers to take a precautionary approach and rest him for the game against the Trail Blazers. Ayton and Hayes are also questionable with unspecified injuries.
Why: The Lakers are prioritizing Doncic’s long-term health,especially during a demanding schedule.the team is being cautious to prevent the injury from worsening. His absence significantly impacts the Lakers’ offensive capabilities.
How it ended: As of now, Doncic’s status for Sunday’s game against the Toronto Raptors remains uncertain. The team will re-evaluate his condition following Saturday’s contest. The Lakers will rely on LeBron james and other players to step up in Doncic’s absence against Portland. The situation is fluid and will be updated as more information becomes available.
“A problem that Doncic has been carrying around for a few days, and which thus leads the Lakers to be cautious,” sources reported.
