Luka Doncic Downplays Potential Injury Concerns After Loss to Warriors 

NBA: Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn
Luka Doncic Downplays Potential Injury Concerns After Loss to Warriors (Image Source: Imagn)

The Lakers potentially suffered a blow on opening night on Tuesday with Luka Doncic seemingly clutching at his groin area. The superstar guard didn't sit throughout the third quarter and barring a brief rest in the fourth, he was on the court for majority of the second half.

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However, Doncic shot down concerns regarding a potential injury. After the game, he said it was "probably nothing" and that he had a hip issue, not a groin ailment, after a sharp turn.

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Doncic finished with 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists on 63.0% shooting in 41 minutes, but LA still failed to complete the comeback against Golden State, losing 119-109 at home.

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It was clear that they needed more from everyone, especially their stars, to counter the Warriors' big three of Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. However, without James, it was a rough game for the Purple and Gold.

With him being out at least for the next couple of weeks and Doncic dealing with a probable groin issue, the Lakers might be in a world of trouble to start the season, especially after a humbling loss against the Warriors.

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Lakers Coach JJ Redick Not Concerned About Luka Doncic's Workload

JJ Redick ruled out concerns regarding Luka Doncic's workload after playing him for nearly the entire second half while the Lakers attempted a comeback. With Austin Reaves picking up five fouls by the third quarter, Redick's options offensively were limited, leading to Doncic's high usage.

The second-year coach assured it wasn't a trend he would lean on and was only a situational approach.

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"Every game is different, not concerned about that," Redick said after the game.

The Lakers didn't get any substantial production from their role players. Doncic and Reaves combined for 69 points and 18 assists on 60.4% shooting, while the rest of the group had 30 points on 47.0% shooting.

Their best chance of securing a win rested in the duo's hands, especially with LeBron James out, too. The Warriors maximized having a healthier and more productive roster than LA, executing schemes against Doncic and Reaves to perfection.

The Lakers will hope they can avoid playing Luka Doncic 40 minutes a night regularly, though. While he's in top shape, LA can't risk fatiguing their best player in the first two months of the year. The optionality rests in the supporting cast's hands for now while LeBron James recovers from sciatica.

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Edited by Arhaan Raje
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