The Los Angeles Lakers saw Luka Doncic suffer an injury in the first half against the LA Clippers on Dec. 20, and it appeared to be a calf problem. The Lakers officially called it a lower left leg contusion, but that isn’t what it looked like. Even Lakers announcer Stu Lantz was quick to say it looked like a calf issue.
Every NBA fan hates to hear those words after Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton had those turn into Achilles injuries in the playoffs. Luka was limping in the opening 24 minutes, but stayed in the game. The Lakers star didn’t return after halftime and was immediately ruled out for the rest of the game.
Doncic was leading the league in scoring and firmly in the MVP mix, but a calf injury could ruin his chances. Doncic already missed six games and must play 65 to qualify for awards. Hopefully, he avoided a serious injury, but things did not look good.
Luka Doncic appears to have suffered a calf injury
Doncic has missed significant time with left calf injuries, and the issue is part of the reason he is in Los Angeles. He was dealing with a left calf strain when the Lakers acquired him from Dallas and was part of the disconnect between the superstar and former Mavs GM Nico Harrison. That only makes this injury even more concerning for Lakers fans.
Doncic was coming off LA’s first 40-point triple-double since Magic Johnson. He tried to stay in the game against the Clippers, but it was clear that number 77 wasn’t right. Luka finished with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, and four turnovers in 20 minutes of action. He shot just four of 13 from the field and was one of six on his long-range attempts.
Coach Redick called out Doncic’s defense after his monster performance, and there were issues on Saturday night. Perhaps this leg problem has been nagging him and been quietly behind the struggles.
The Lakers are not always the most forthcoming with injury updates, but fans should stay tuned. They won’t want to admit this is another calf injury for Luka, especially with so many star players dealing with this issue this season. It is becoming a problem for the entire NBA. Now, it appears the league’s leading scorer has another one to deal with.
The Lakers called this a low left leg contusion. Fans can draw their own conclusions, as the team didn’t want to call it a dreaded calf strain. Los Angeles was without five players coming into the game and lost Luka Doncic for the second half. It was a rough night for the purple and gold, and things could get worse if number 77 has a calf strain.
Los Angeles Lakers fans are hoping for the best for Luka Doncic with this injury. The franchise has to be cautious with their superstar. Calf injuries are not to be messed with. The Lakers must play it smart, or things could get significantly worse. Stay tuned for the latest update.