Luka Doncic, who has been recovering from a left hamstring strain, expressed optimism about returning to the court as the Lakers prepare to resume their season against the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena this Friday. Doncic, who only played five minutes in the All-Star Game due to his injury, shared his feelings with the media after the Lakers’ practice session.
“I’m good,” Doncic stated when asked about his condition. He humorously acknowledged his limited participation in the All-Star Game, noting, “Five minutes. I was on a minutes restriction.” Coach JJ Redick confirmed that the Lakers would have a full roster available for the upcoming game, including Austin Reaves, who has been lifted from his own minutes restriction following a lengthy absence due to calf issues.
In regard to the Lakers’ season, injuries have plagued the team, impacting players like LeBron James, who missed significant time earlier this season due to sciatica and is currently managing arthritis in his left foot. Center Deandre Ayton also recently missed games due to knee soreness. Redick noted the frustration of injuries but highlighted the importance of continuity and health moving forward.
“We’ve had [James, Ayton, and Doncic] available together for just 10 games this season, which has made it tough,” Redick said. However, he emphasized the urgency of the remaining games, mentioning that the team would face a busy schedule with nearly daily games until the end of March. “We’ve got an opportunity to play our best basketball after the All-Star break,” he added, citing positive trends on both ends of the court.
Doncic, James, and Reaves collectively average an impressive 80.2 points per game, underscoring their potential impact on the team’s performance as they integrate more fully into the lineup. Reaves emphasized the importance of playing together to build chemistry, stating, “Continuing to build that continuity and confidence in every single position is crucial.”
As the Lakers (33-21) prepare to take on a challenging slate of games against competitive teams, including the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors, the return to health for key players like Doncic and Reaves could provide a significant boost. The team remains optimistic as they look to find their rhythm and solidify their position in the playoff race, making practices like Thursday’s essential for regaining their competitive edge.