Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Dončić downplayed the severity of a groin injury he received treatment for following L.A.’s 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night.
Speaking to reporters after emerging from the training room, Dončić said: “It’s probably nothing. Just felt it a little bit because my hip went [the opposite] way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing.”
With LeBron James out due to sciatica, Dončić was the unquestioned focal point of the Lakers’ offensive attack on Tuesday, and he delivered with a game-high 43 points to go along with 12 rebounds and nine assists.
Dončić sat out the first three preseason games for rest purposes following his busy summer playing for the Slovenian national team in EuroBasket. Lakers head coach JJ Redick announced that he would make his preseason debut against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 14 and would play in one of the final two preseason games.
The Lakers are set to be without James for two to three weeks, making Dončić’s presence even more important. The 26-year-old will undoubtedly be the go-to guy offensively in his first full year with the franchise.
Dončić was sent to Los Angeles in February from the Dallas Mavericks in one of the most shocking trades in NBA history. He played in 28 games for the Lakers last season and averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 1.6 steals. The team fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs in five games.
The Lakers’ hopes of contending for a title this season rest on the shoulders of Dončić and James, so it’s imperative that they stay healthy.
Dončić’s comments suggest he isn’t concerned about his groin ailment, so all signs point toward him continuing to lead the way until LeBron is back in the fold.
