After the Lakers’ tough Game 3 loss in Minnesota, head coach JJ Redick and the players all faced the media, as expected. But one notable figure was missing: Luka Doncic. Instead of sticking around for postgame interviews, Doncic slipped out of the locker room before reporters arrived—a move that typically draws a hefty penalty from the NBA.

Two seasons ago, Jimmy Butler was fined $25,000 for skipping media availability following Game 3 of the East Finals. Even Dillon Brooks was forced to pay the same amount when he avoided interviews after the Lakers eliminated the Grizzlies from the playoffs that very season. However, Luka’s unique circumstances could save him from this punishment. According to veteran reporter Dan Woike, the Slovenian star was absent because he was receiving extensive post-game treatment.

Yes, Doncic played the game with a sickness, reportedly a stomach bug. Redick even revealed that he had been throwing up all afternoon heading into the encounter, “He hasn’t been feeling well for the last 24 hours. I don’t know how much he slept last night. He didn’t feel well last night. He was really under the weather.” Because Luka’s absence from media availability was due to a medical emergency, the league will likely not fine him for the act.

Even during the game, it was evident that Luka was struggling to play through the sickness. Unlike his usual jovial persona, the superstar looked low in energy and could be seen fighting the fatigue every time he went to the bench. Even his teammates weren’t sure about Luka staying in the game till the end.

Dorian Finney-Smith makes brutal confession about Luka Doncic’s health as he plays through sickness

While Luka did not address the media post-game, his teammates were there to give updates about his health. Giving some key insights, Dorian Finney-Smith said, “Just him fighting man. He was fighting you know, trying to be there for us. I didn’t think he was gonna come out second half.” Turns out, Luka’s condition was so bad that he was at risk of missing the entire second half. DFS continued, “You know I looked at his elbow, he had like a big knot on his elbow. I was like ‘God damn! You sick and you getting beat up still.’”

Although the Lakers lost, Luka playing through sickness made one thing clear: the ongoing narrative about his lack of commitment is bogus. Yes, a major reason Nico Harrison traded Doncic was that he believed the Mavs could not reach the top with him as the franchise leader. There were major doubts about his conditioning and commitment to the game. Well, Luka cleared all doubts last night by prioritizing his team over his health.

Sure, he only scored 17 points and had an off night, but it gives Laker Nation hope that once he’s healthy, the Lakers will be back on track. Even Dorian praised Luka’s effort, “He’s just a tough guy. We know he wanna win. He’ll be ready next game.”

And Austin Reaves shared a similar sentiment, “He gave it everything he had tonight. 40 minutes. Did everything he could do to help us win.” Hopefully, the treatment that Luka received post-game will help him recover and he will be a 100% for Game 4. Thoughts?