Lakers Change Luka Doncic's Status After Temporary Leave

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Dec 6, 2025 6:15 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers played without Luka Doncic in their last two games, barely beating the Toronto Raptors 123-120 in the first one and getting blown out by the Boston Celtics 126-105 in the other.

It's not surprising that the Lakers struggled without the 26-year-old guard, though. After all, Doncic has been L.A.'s best player this campaign, as he leads the team in points (35.3), rebounds (8.9) and assists (8.9).

Doncic is also second on the team in steals (1.6) and blocks (0.6), further highlighting his massive impact on the Purple and Gold.

Doncic was ruled out due to personal reasons. He went back to Slovenia for the birth of his second child with his fiancée Anamaria Goltes, which the five-time All-Star confirmed on Saturday by posting a photo of his newborn: a daughter they named Olivia.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic on track to play against the Philadelphia 76ers.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The good news for the Lakers is that Doncic appears to be on track to play when they return to action on Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

In the Lakers' latest injury report, Doncic was removed from the list, indicating that he'll be available for the Sixers game.

Luka Doncic (personal) not on injury report for Sunday.
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) December 6, 2025

For what it's worth, there were initial concerns that Doncic wouldn't be able to join the Lakers in their road trip, especially since he had to leave the United States. Head coach JJ Redick was also noncommittal about his return against the Sixers, although he did say it was a "possibility."

The change in Doncic's status is certainly crucial for the Lakers, especially with LeBron James landing on the injury report due to right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis. James was listed as questionable.

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

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