Luka Doncic will miss Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns due to a lower left leg contusion he suffered against the LA Clippers on Saturday. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Bogdan Bogdanovic kneed Doncic in the left calf.
JJ Redick said Doncic is considered a day-to-day option. Doncic had a major turnover in his calf muscle when the Lakers opened practice to the media on Monday.
Doncic missed three games in the first week of the season after suffering a similar contusion. The latest injury marks the second time this season he has missed time due to a leg contusion.
“It has been diagnosed and confirmed as a lower leg contusion,” Redick said when asked if Doncic had undergone imaging tests on the muscle.
Doncic is averaging 34.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists in his first full season with the Lakers. His absence comes as the team continues to deal with multiple injuries within the roster.
Despite Doncic’s absence, the Lakers will receive reinforcements on Tuesday. Deandre Ayton, who missed the last two games due to a left elbow injury, fully participated in practice Monday and will play against the team that drafted him first overall.
Austin Reaves, who has missed the Lakers’ last three games due to a minor calf injury, participated in practice and is questionable about his return.
The Lakers closed out Saturday’s 103-88 loss to the Clippers with soon-to-be 41-year-old LeBron James as the only healthy starter. James scored 36 points in the loss.
Rui Hachimura, who did not play against the Clippers due to groin pain, is out for Tuesday’s game. Reserve guard Gabe Vincent, who is experiencing back problems, is also unavailable.
The Lakers’ injury situation has forced Redick to rely on limited rotations in December. Dalton Knecht has filled in as starter in recent games to compensate for missing players.
Los Angeles is 19-8 and fourth in the Western Conference despite mounting health concerns. The team will host fifth-ranked Houston on Christmas Day after Tuesday’s game against Phoenix.
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