Tragedy strikes the Lakers! They headed into tonight’s Clippers’ rematch, aiming to extend their five-game winning streak. And everything looked great as Luka Doncic started the game hot, scoring 12 early points on a highly efficient four of five shooting. Looked like it was going to be one of those high scoring nights from the Slovenian Sensation. But things took an unfortunate turn when Luka was forced to leave the game after a scary collision with Kris Dunn!

Toward the end of the first quarter, Luka suddenly subbed out of the game. In a scary sight, he was seen heading straight to the locker room, grabbing his right leg. Although it’s uncertain at what point he hurt his leg, speculations are that the collision with Dunn earlier in the game might have played a part in his early exit.

In the opening minutes of the game, Dunn ran into Doncic while the Lakers star was receiving an inbound pass from Jaxson Hayes. Sure enough, Kris was immediately called for a personal foul. But it was clear that Luka was shaken up after the hit as he fell hard on the floor and lay there for quite a bit. However, he continued playing through it. Maybe that blow bothered him more as the game progressed and forced him to sub out.

Fortunately, Luka returned after the break, giving Laker Nation a huge sigh of relief. However, the brief trip to the locker room affected his momentum, and he went scoreless in the second quarter despite playing seven minutes. Hopefully, it is not because of a bigger issue as he has already been dealing with lingering injury woes.

Luka Doncic’s injury scare raises concerns for Lakers after his initial Questionable status

Well, the Lakers were already uncertain about Luka’s availability tonight. That’s because he was questionable before the game due to calf injury management. Yes, the same injury he suffered on Christmas Day while he was still on the Mavs roster, that put him out for a significant period. Turns out, he is still feeling the effects of that blow.

It has been evident in his form since joining the Lakers, as his averages have dropped to 21 points and 6.4 assists. While they are solid numbers, they are not All-NBA Luka Doncic numbers. In recent games, ‘The Don’ has looked more like himself, scoring a triple-double against the Mavs, and going off for 31 points against the Clippers on Friday. However, if tonight’s setback is serious, he could lose that momentum once again, which could prove disastrous for the Lakers.

As of now, the LA team has climbed to the third seed in the West and they would aim to stay in that spot or jump ahead. But that will only be possible if Luka stays healthy for the remainder of the season.