Luka Doncic still absent for personal reasons as Lakers start road trip

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without star guard Luka Doni for the foreseeable future, potentially missing all three games of their upcoming road trip that starts tonight.

He is currently away from the team for personal reasons, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Thursday, December 4, ahead of their matchup with the Toronto Raptors. We hope to have him back soon, but theres no exact return date yet.

The Lakers listed Doni as absent on Thursdays official injury report prior to their game in Toronto. While no specific timetable has been set, it is expected that he may also sit out the next contest, as Los Angeles faces the Boston Celtics on the first leg of a back-to-back on Friday, December 5.

The teams three-game road trip will conclude on Sunday, December 7, in Philadelphia. Following that, the Lakers return home for an NBA Cup quarterfinal against the San Antonio Spurs, before embarking on another three-game stretch away from Los Angeles. Considering the travel schedule, the organization might wait for Doni to return before rejoining the team.

At 26, Doni has been exceptional this season, leading the league with 35.3 points per game while also averaging 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists. The Lakers currently hold a 15-5 record, placing them second in the Western Conference. In Los Angeles most recent game on Monday, December 1, against the Phoenix Suns, Doni posted 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists in a 125-108 loss.

Analysis: Lakers Face Key Stretch Without Luka Dončić

The Los Angeles Lakers are entering a critical phase of their schedule without Luka Dončić, who is absent for personal reasons with no confirmed return date. Head coach JJ Redick confirmed the guard's absence ahead of the team's matchup with the Toronto Raptors.

Dončić’s potential absence spans a three-game road trip, including games against the Raptors, Boston Celtics, and Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers may also consider delaying his return until after these contests to manage his schedule and ensure he is fully prepared for subsequent games, including the NBA Cup quarterfinal against the San Antonio Spurs.

Despite Dončić's absence, the Lakers maintain a strong position with a 15-5 record, second in the Western Conference. Dončić leads the league with 35.3 points per game and averages 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists, making his temporary absence a significant challenge for Los Angeles in maintaining momentum.

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• Luka Doncic remains out for personal reasons as Lakers begin road trip