What happened to Luka Doncic? Latest injury update as Lakers star heads to locker room in elimination Game 5 vs Wolves (Apr. 30)

Luka Doncic went to the locker room before the first half ended after suffering a back injury in Game 5 of the Lakers-Wolves first-round series. Doncic endured the blow after a drive ended with him taking hits from Donte DiVincenzo and Rudy Gobert. He immediately went down, holding his lower back, and stayed on the floor for a prolonged stretch before getting back up to attempt free throws.

The Lakers conceded a foul shortly, so he could return to the locker room for treatment. Here's the video of Doncic's injury:

Fortunately for the Lakers, Doncic returned in the second half after taking his time in the locker room. He had 12 points, six rebounds and five assists at the half.

However, Doncic continued to favor his back throughout the second half. He finished with 28 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, but his effort went in vain as the Lakers lost 103-96, suffering a first-round exit in Doncic's first playoff run with the team.

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Sports doctor on Luka Doncic's injury

Sports Medicine Dr. Brian Sutterer (MD) believes Luka Doncic may have fractured his spine. Sutterer's assessment was based on sudden hyperextension and side bend. He said that these could lead to X-rays missing the fracture.

However, Dr. Sutterer ruled out that it was dangerous for LA to continue playing Doncic as long as he was able to pull through. With Doncic playing usual minutes in the second half, it may not be a significant injury.

The five-time All-Star has dealt with back issues before, a month into his Lakers tenure. He tweaked it before the Mar. 8 game against the Boston Celtics. He dealt with it in a prior contest following a fall. Doncic may have sustained another blow in Game 4, which carried over into Wednesday's Game 5.

He was spotted favoring it several times in the first quarter before his hard fall in the second. He also looked less mobile.