Lakers Announce Luka Doncic News Amid Groin Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 9:17 PM ET

Luka Doncic did not play in the Los Angeles Lakers’ last game. The five-time All-Star sat out Saturday’s disappointing 132-116 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, which marked L.A.’s fifth loss in its last six games. The Lakers dropped to 24-16 after their latest defeat.

The Lakers are back in action on Sunday in the second night of a back-to-back set. They return home for a matchup against the Toronto Raptors at Crypto.com Arena. Doncic was a game-time decision heading into the game with a groin injury. The Lakers announced their decision about his status less than an hour prior to tip-off.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77)© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Doncic has been relatively healthy in his first full season with the Lakers. He’s played 32 out of L.A.’s 40 games so far this season, averaging a league-high 33.6 points on 46.8% shooting, 7.7 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.6 steals in 36.4 minutes per contest. Doncic is also knocking down 3.4 triples per game on a 33.4% clip.

There was considerable doubt on Doncic’s status heading into Sunday’s game against the Raptors. He was a true game-time decision after being initially tagged as questionable to play with left groin soreness.

The good news for the Lakers is that Doncic will play against Toronto. The team announced via the official injury report that Doncic has been cleared to play. The 26-year-old will return to action after one game on the shelf.

LeBron James will also be available for L.A. He, too, was tagged as questionable on the tail end of a back-to-back due to left foot joint arthritis. James was given the green light to play as well, joining Doncic in the starting lineup.

The Lakers have been in a real slump of late and are in dire need of a win. They will get an opportunity to get back in the win column in a home game against the 25-18 Raptors.

The Lakers entered this game as the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: