The Los Angeles Lakers need Luka Doncic back, and head coach JJ Redick said before Thursday’s game that the superstar should be ready to return after the All-Star break. Coach noted that Doncic is progressing well, but the team wanted to be cautious. Luka missed his fourth consecutive game on Thursday night, but should be ready to go on Feb. 20 when the Lakers face the rival Clippers.
Redick was coy about Doncic playing in the All-Star Game on Sunday night. He noted it was “above my pay grade”. Luka was the leading fan voter getter for the first time in his career. He certainly wants to get in the contest, so it will be interesting to see if number 77 can get a few minutes to show out for his supporters.
The Lakers have struggled without their superstar this season. Luka, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves have played just ten games together so far. Los Angeles is 7-3 in those contests, but nobody really knows what that trio is capable of. The Lakers must get them on the court down the stretch, and it will start right after the break.
Luka Doncic should return immediately after the All-Star break
Doncic was seen working out on the court before Thursday’s game. Fans know he wanted to face his former team, but it was fantastic to see Luka looking close to returning.
Luka is still out tonight, but good to see him moving around well in a pregame workout. pic.twitter.com/hZrdovIR8C
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 13, 2026
Hamstring injuries can be tricky, and supporters know it didn’t look good when Doncic had to leave the game against the 76ers. The Lakers were wise to give him an extra week of rest by holding him out. They will only go as far as Luka takes them, so getting him back to 100 percent is a must.
Fans still can’t believe Doncic is on the Lakers one year after the trade. It still seems unfathomable that the Mavericks would give up on a prime superstar who just led their franchise to the NBA Finals. Luka has only gotten better in LA. He is one of the best players on the planet and hopes to lead the purple and gold on a deep playoff run.
The soft tissue injuries are a worry, but this is Luka’s first hamstring issue. The Lakers were wise to give him time and let him heal. Doncic always wants to play, so it is on the franchise to hold him back until he doesn’t risk re-injury.
The Los Angeles Lakers will get Luka Doncic back in the first game after the All-Star break. It is not a moment too soon. The Lakers won just one of the first three games that number 77 missed with this injury. They lack depth and need their superstar to elevate them. Luka already looks ready to hit the ground running, and fans should be excited.
Expect the purple and gold to lock in down the stretch. They want to make a playoff push and have already been improving on defense. The best is still yet to come from Luka and the Lakers, so fans must stay tuned.