When will Luka Doncic debut for Lakers? Injury update on Los Angeles' newest star
The NBA world was left speechless Sunday morning after waking up and learning that the Dallas Mavericks, fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals, were trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and a 2029 first-round pick.
Many fans criticized the Mavericks for making such a move, saying that a 25-year-old who just finished third in MVP voting was far more valuable than a 31-year-old who achieved that same feat in 2017-18. That said, there was one glaring issue with the Lakers' trade: Doncic is currently nursing a calf injury that has kept him off the court since Christmas.
That's over a month of NBA basketball that Doncic has missed now. While he doesn't have a serious injury history, having played at least 60 games in every season of his career, he's already missed more games this season than he has in any other. So, when will Doncic suit up in the purple and gold?
Here are the latest updates regarding the young star's calf injury.
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Return before the All-Star break likely
There is optimism that Doncic will return to the court before NBA All-Star weekend begins on Valentine's Day. Before the trade was announced, NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Mavericks were originally anticipating a Feb. 8 return for their star, but were worried about his conditioning then pushed it back a few days.
Luka Dončić was targeting a Feb. 8 return from his calf strain, sources say, but long-term concerns about conditioning are said to have factored into Dallas' shocking change of course.
Now Anthony Davis will partner Kyrie Irving ... and the Lakers have their heir to LeBron James.… https://t.co/SGmhMbg2Nc— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 2, 2025
This report is backed up by reporter John Gambadoro, who says that Doncic was expected to play on Feb. 8 at home against Houston when the Mavericks returned from their five-game road trip.
Luka was expected to play Saturday versus Houston at home after the Mavs got back from their current road trip. But he was not with the team on the road. Not playing pick up.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) February 2, 2025
These reports indicate that Doncic is likely close to healthy enough to play as is, but may need a few more days rest in order to get back to his normal self. The Lakers may currently be fifth in the Western Conference, but only sit 4.5 games up on the 11th-place Golden State Warriors. They may not be able to wait that long for Doncic.
Feb. 10 or 12 is the date to watch
On Monday, ESPN's Marc Spears reported that Doncic is eyeing a return on either Feb. 10 when the Lakers play the Jazz in Los Angeles or Feb. 12, when they travel to Utah.
“I’m hearing he’s targeting next week, the Lakers play at home against Utah next Monday, and on the road in Utah next Wednesday, a potential return from his calf injury.”
-@MarcJSpears on Luka's potential debut for the Lakers pic.twitter.com/jKFv9e6PUA— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 3, 2025
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Those are the final two games that the Lakers will play before the All-Star break. They will not play again until Feb. 19 against Charlotte.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luka Doncic injury update: When will he debut for Lakers?
