UPDATE: In a thrilling season opener, Luka Doncic shone with 43 points in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors on October 24, 2023, but he is now downplaying concerns about a groin issue. After logging a game-high 41 minutes, Doncic received treatment in the training room for discomfort in his right leg.
“It’s probably nothing,” Doncic stated during the post-game news conference, which took place nearly an hour and a half after the final buzzer. “Just felt it a little bit because my hip went [the opposite] way.” His remarks aim to reassure fans about his condition following a standout performance.
Doncic’s dominance on the court was evident as he also recorded 12 rebounds and 9 assists, showcasing a notable improvement in his defensive mobility compared to last season. “I think I’m getting better on the defensive end,” Doncic said. He highlighted the importance of communication with his teammates as he strives for greater involvement.
Despite his individual success, the Lakers struggled as a team, particularly in the third quarter where they were outscored 35-25. Lakers coach JJ Redick addressed this recurring issue, saying, “The trend I see is that we continue to be a terrible third-quarter team.” He emphasized the need for the team to rethink their approach to halftime adjustments.
Doncic’s impressive offensive stats included shooting 13-for-14 in the paint and 15-for-17 on two-pointers, according to ESPN Research. However, he faced challenges from beyond the arc, hitting only 2-for-10 on three-pointers, contributing to the Lakers’ overall struggle with 8-for-32 from long range.
The Lakers will have two days of practice and recovery time for Doncic before their next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Friday. Fans are eager to see if Doncic will be fully fit to continue his stellar performance and help the Lakers secure their first victory of the season.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.
