The Los Angeles Lakers confirmed that Luka Doncic will not play in Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns due to a left calf contusion. Doncic left Saturday’s game against the LA Clippers early after sustaining the injury and is currently listed as day-to-day.
Coach JJ Redick noted that this is not the first time Doncic has dealt with calf issues this season. “It’s happened a bunch this season,” Redick said, adding that the team is exploring ways to better protect Doncic’s legs in future physical matchups.
Doncic was injured after being kneed in the calf by Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic, which forced him out of the game after halftime. At Monday’s practice, he wore a heavy wrap on his left leg, signaling continued caution in his recovery process.
Alongside Doncic, Austin Reaves remains questionable for Tuesday’s game as he continues to recover from a mild left calf strain. Reaves participated in a limited capacity during practice and is also day-to-day as the Lakers manage his workload carefully.
Rui Hachimura will miss the game due to a right groin strain. He did not play against the Clippers and has been ruled out for the clash with Phoenix. The Lakers are therefore dealing with multiple injury concerns in their rotation going into this matchup.
On a positive note, center Deandre Ayton returned to practice after missing two games with left elbow soreness. Ayton did not appear on Tuesday’s injury report and is expected to be available. He described the elbow issue as stemming from a physical battle for a rebound in a previous game.
This injury update presents challenges for the Lakers as they prepare for a tough Phoenix Suns team on Tuesday. Managing player health while maintaining competitiveness remains a critical focus for coach Redick and the team moving forward.
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