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Star Guard Dismisses Injury Concerns Despite Visible Discomfort
Luka Dončić delivered another stellar performance on Saturday night, dropping 34 points and eight rebounds against the Boston Celtics. However, the Los Angeles Lakers’ star guard also sparked some concern as he appeared to struggle with back discomfort throughout the game.
Despite the pain, Dončić downplayed any serious injury concerns, reassuring fans and reporters after the game.
‘I’m Fine… I’m Good’: Dončić on His Back Issue
After taking a few hard falls in recent matchups, Dončić admitted that his back had been bothering him. Yet, when asked about his condition, he was quick to brush it off.
“I’ve been feeling it since that fall, so just dealing with it. But I’m fine… I’m good,” Dončić said, via Spectrum SportsNet.
The exact moment of injury remains unclear, as Dončić has endured multiple hard landings in recent games against the New Orleans Pelicans and L.A. Clippers. However, despite the discomfort, he played through it against Boston, showing no signs of slowing down.
Increased Pressure with LeBron Sidelined
The timing of Dončić’s minor injury is particularly concerning for the Lakers, as LeBron James is now expected to miss at least one to two weeks due to a groin strain. With James sidelined, the burden on Dončić to carry the Lakers’ offense will only grow.
The Lakers, however, are known for taking a cautious approach when it comes to injuries. Given their current position in the Western Conference standings, they may opt to give Dončić some rest if his condition worsens. For now, though, he appears determined to keep playing.
Adjusting to Life in L.A.
Dončić’s move to the Lakers before the trade deadline was one of the biggest surprises of the season. Reports suggested he had no intention of leaving Dallas, making his transition to Los Angeles an unexpected challenge.
However, Dončić has quickly started to settle in, crediting the Lakers’ strong locker room chemistry for helping him adjust. Recent reports indicate that he has even leased a house in L.A. and is beginning to think long-term about his future with the team.
While his back may be sore, Dončić’s commitment to his new squad remains as strong as ever.