By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Luka Doncic is out for the next game of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season, a meeting versus the Phoenix Suns in the Mortage Matchup Center on Tuesday.
Following an early exit on Saturday, the 26-year-old Slovenian superstar is considered day-by-day, as confirmed by head coach JJ Redick after team practice on Monday.
“He got kneed by Bogdanovic in the lower leg,” said the 41-year-old tactician in a media session, pinpointing the moment in the fixture opposite the Los Angeles Clippers leading to the injury.
After the collision with Serbian Bogdan Bogdanovic, Doncic initially returned to the floor but was eventually ruled out for the rest of the game during the halftime break.
“We’ve noticed,” added the Lakers play-caller, replying to a question about the Ljubljana dealing with such contact defense on several occasions, and seemed determined to find ways to dial it down in the future.
In addition to Doncic, Rui Hachimura (right groin soreness) and Gabe Vincent (lumbar back strain) are listed as out for the next team outing, and Austin Reaves (left calf strain) is questionable. In contrast, Deandre Ayton (left elbow soreness) has been cleared to resurface in the lineup.
“Luka has a lower left leg contusion. He’ll be day-to-day. AR participated partially in practice today, and he’ll be day-to-day. Rui also day-to-day. And then DA was a full participant, and I think he’s off the injury report,” summed up Redick.
Due to left calf injury management, the San Antonio Spurs listed Victor Wembanyama as questionable to play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Frost Bank Center. With the 21-year-old French center averaging approximately 21 minutes per game over five appearances since returning to action, the injury designation aligns with the cautious team approach and his restricted minutes.
With the defending champions leading the Western Conference and overall standings at 25-3, the Spurs currently rank second in the West on a 21-7 tally, and the Lakers are fourth at 19-8.