PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Luka Doncic was ruled out of the Lakers’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night due to a lower left leg contusion injury. This comes a day after Doncic finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win against Miami.
The injury management forced Doncic to miss three games earlier this season. Prior to his absence, Doncic was averaging impressive numbers with 41.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.
The Lakers were also without guard Austin Reaves, who is sidelined with right groin soreness. Reaves had contributed 26 points and 11 assists during the 130-120 victory over Miami. Coach JJ Redick mentioned before Monday’s game that Reaves experienced soreness in the first quarter of that game but managed to play through it. Reaves is averaging 31.1 points and 9.3 assists per game this season.
Center Deandre Ayton was listed as a game-time decision due to back spasms.
Meanwhile, the Lakers continue to be without several key players: LeBron James (right sciatica), Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain), and Adou Thiero (recovering from left knee surgery).
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