By The Associated Press’s Greg Beacham
Los Angeles The Los Angeles Lakers, who had been hoping to get one more championship run out of LeBron James’ 40-year-old alliance with Anthony Davis, had their future changed by the signing of Luka Doncichas.
With Doncic at the forefront, the Lakers’ prospects for the upcoming decade are considerably brighter. If Doncic and James click quickly, they might even compete for a ring this year. If the Lakers can find a center to cover Davis’ enormous void, it’s much more likely.
But any significant conclusion to this season won’t start until Doncic is fully recovered and makes his Lakers debut.
The Slovenian scorer, 25, hasn’t played since Christmas, and his prolonged absence has prevented him from making the All-NBA squad, which he has done five times in a row.
What is Luka s injury?
Late in the second quarter of the Mavericks’ defeat by Minnesota, Doncic hurt his left calf. Before he hobbled to the locker room, Doncic was delayed downcourt while play continued without him due to a significant injury.
Prior to his most recent injury, Doncic had only returned to the Dallas lineup for two games and missed the Mavs’ next 19 games. Due to a bruised left heel, he had missed the Mavs’ previous two games. Since his debut season in 2018–19, Doncic has only participated in 70 games in a season once.
When should fans expect Luka to play?
On Wednesday, Doncic will take part in 5-on-5 practice exercises, according to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka. The Lakers will collaborate with Doncic’s personal training staff to create a return strategy following that session.
Before the Lakers complete their current run of four games in Los Angeles over the next seven days, Doncic and the team appear certain he will be back in uniform.
However, after frequently playing through minor injuries in the past, sometimes to his harm, Doncic stated that he has been making an effort to treat this injury properly.
Regarding his comeback, Doncic stated, “I took my time (to) get it to heal 100% for the first time.” At other moments, I believe I simply wanted to return to the basketball court, where I would be completely healed. It took me the typical length of time to return to 100%, so I just took my time this time.
With 34 games remaining in the regular season, the Lakers have plenty of time to perform well after their Tuesday night visit to the Clippers.
To make sure the calf injury is in a good and safe position, we’re going to take it day by day, Pelinka stated. Right now, I would honestly say that he’s day-to-day. We’ll take things one step at a time, but Luca will play in a game shortly if (everything) goes according to plan and he feels comfortable and secure.
What will the Lakers look like with Luka?
Austin Reaves, who is a versatile player, is nearly guaranteed to start in the backcourt with their new superstar. He would replace Max Christie, the young 3-and-D wing who was dealt to the Mavericks with Davis.
On December 8, Christie entered the Lakers’ starting lineup. Although veteran Gabe Vincent is typically in the rotation, Los Angeles hasn’t used a traditional point guard much since moving D Angelo Russell on December 29.
Luka Doncic, head coach JJ Redick, and general manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers pose for pictures at an NBA basketball press conference on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in El Segundo, California, from left to right. (Photo by Jae C. Hong/AP)
The Lakers’ offense is largely started by James and Reaves, although Doncic will obviously be holding the ball all the time. That should please James, who has expressed a wish to play off-ball more this season, despite the opinions of certain commentators.
Pick-and-roll setups are the most natural setting for James and Doncic to be together. The idea of planning plays for these two exceptional playmakers and inventive scorers is sure to make JJ Redick, who played with Doncic in Dallas, drool.
What about the defense of the Lakers? In the absence of Davis guarding the rim, they will regress significantly. It’s easy to picture James and Doncic just attempting to outscore most teams, and they frequently possess the skill to do so.
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