Luka Dončić did not return for the second half of Saturday’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.
The Lakers ruled out Dončić with a left-leg contusion just before the start of the second half. The severity of the injury and a timeline for Dončić’s return weren’t initially clear. It’s also unclear when he sustained the injury. The Clippers won Saturday’s game, 103-88.
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A game after tallying 45 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in a win over the Utah Jazz, Dončić struggled with his efficiency in the first half against the Clippers. He posted 12 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 turnovers while shooting 4 of 13 from the field and 1 of 6 from 3 in 19 minutes.
The Lakers trailed, 54-39 to start the second half. They started the game playing without Austin Reaves (calf), Rui Hachimura (groin), Deandre Ayton (elbow) and Gabe Vincent (back).
The Lakers fell to 19-8 with Saturday’s loss, which is good for fourth place in the West behind the Thunder (25-3), Spurs (19-7) and Nuggets (19-7).
An absence by Dončić of any length would put the Lakers at further risk of falling in the Western Conference standings. A five-time first-team All-NBA selection, Dončić entered Saturday leading the league with 35.2 points per game alongside averages of 9.1 assists, 8.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.
