In a major sigh of relief for Los Angeles Lakers fans, star point guard Luka Doncic has been cleared for action ahead of Friday’s clash against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers confirmed that Doncic is not listed on the team’s latest injury report, putting to rest growing concerns over his fitness following their recent matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
Luka Doncic avoids injury scare
During the Lakers’ season opener against the Warriors, Doncic appeared to tweak his groin late in the game, grabbing the area multiple times and sparking immediate worry among fans and analysts. However, the 25-year-old brushed off the concern when speaking to reporters post-game.
“It’s probably nothing,” Doncic said. “Just felt it a little bit because my hip went [the opposite] way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing.”
The star guard’s reassurance comes as a boost for the Lakers, especially given his dominant performance despite the team’s 119–109 loss.
Doncic’s impressive start to the season
Luka Doncic made a statement in his Lakers debut, racking up an incredible 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. His shooting efficiency stood out as well—he converted 17 of his 27 attempts, including an impressive 15-of-17 from inside the arc. While his three-point shooting (2-of-10) left room for improvement, his control and leadership on the floor were undeniable.
No other Lakers player came close to matching Doncic’s impact on opening night. Only Austin Reaves and DeAndre Ayton managed to hit double digits in scoring, underscoring the team’s heavy reliance on their new franchise cornerstone.
LeBron’s absence increases Doncic’s burden
The Lakers are already dealing with the absence of LeBron James, who is sidelined with sciatica on his right side. James is expected to be re-evaluated by the end of the month, meaning Luka Doncic will likely continue carrying the offensive load for Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
With James out, Doncic’s workload is set to remain high — a concern for the team’s long-term management of his health, especially after his 40-minute showing against Golden State, the most by any player in the game.
Motivation against Minnesota
The upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves carries extra significance. Minnesota eliminated the Lakers from the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, and Doncic will be eager to deliver payback while continuing his early-season momentum. During that playoff series, he averaged 30.2 points per game, proving he can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
As the Lakers look to secure their first win of the new season, all eyes will be on Luka Doncic — healthy, locked in, and ready to lead from the front.
Tip-off: Friday, 7:00 p.m. PT.