Luka Doncic injury might be bad news for Lakers originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a humiliating 139-96 road loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, dropping them to 50-26 on the year.
However, it’s fair to assume that Lakers fans are far more concerned with the health of the franchise’s star point guard, Luka Doncic, who failed to finish the contest due to a lower-body injury.
“JUST IN: Luka Doncic will not return to tonight’s game against the Thunder with a left hamstring injury,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel reported during the third quarter.
With the postseason being right around the corner, Doncic’s setback couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time. Los Angeles has played high-level basketball lately, with Doncic leading the way, and if the organization wants to be the last team standing in June, their recently acquired phenom must be at full strength.
Doncic, a legitimate MVP candidate, is averaging 33.8 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.8 rebounds with the Lakers this season, shooting 47.7% from the field and 36.8% from the field.
Is Los Angeles capable of winning a playoff series without Doncic? Most likely, but a championship will only be achieved with the former Dallas Mavericks star in the fold.
With Doncic’s injury being fresh, it’s unclear if he’ll miss significant time on the hardwood. If he does, Los Angeles’ title aspirations will be in serious jeopardy.
