Concerns surrounding Luka Doncic’s health have surfaced once again, even as conflicting reports attempt to clarify the Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s physical condition midway through the season.
While speculation suggested Dončić may be battling a left elbow issue, a prominent Lakers insider has moved quickly to shut down that narrative.
The Athletic’s Dan Woike, who has covered the Lakers for more than a decade, pushed back on claims that Doncic is currently playing through an elbow injury.
Responding to a report from Lakers Daily, Woike stated on X, “FWIW, my sources say this is inaccurate.” His clarification offers some reassurance, though it does little to fully quiet broader concerns about Doncic’s overall workload and physical strain.
A season marked by availability — but not without setbacks
By most measures, Luka Doncic has been relatively durable in his first full season with the Lakers. The 26-year-old has appeared in 25 of the team’s first 32 games.
His absences have largely been precautionary or situational rather than long-term injuries. He missed three games in late October with a lower leg contusion, another contest on December 23 due to a left leg contusion, and two games earlier in December for personal reasons while in Slovenia for the birth of his second daughter.
Despite that availability, recent reporting has reignited questions about how healthy Doncic truly is when he takes the floor.
Reports of discomfort raise performance questions
Lakers Daily reported that Luka Doncic has been playing through persistent discomfort, particularly in his legs, following his 34-point performance in a 128–121 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
According to the report, “Doncic has been undergoing ‘around-the-clock’ treatment to suit up for the Lakers,” with the outlet noting that injuries to Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent have further pressured him to stay on the court.
The report also claimed that Doncic is dealing with “sharp” pain in his legs, affecting his explosiveness and ability to attack the basket consistently. That observation appears to align with recent shot-selection trends.
Numbers hint at subtle adjustments
Statistically, there has been a noticeable shift in Doncic’s offensive approach. Over his last three games, he has attempted 10.7 three-pointers per contest, slightly up from his season average of 10.5. More telling, his attempts from the 10-to-14-foot range have dropped significantly — down to 2.3 per game compared to his earlier average of 4.5.
While Luka Doncic continues to lead the NBA in scoring at 33.6 points per game, these trends suggest he may be adjusting his style to manage physical limitations rather than operating at full capacity.