Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Lakers' Luka Doncic Dealing With Significant Illness

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Alex Kirschenbaum | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 10:57 PM ET

Five-time All-NBA First Team superstar guard Luka Doncic has been playing through a concerning mystery illness during L.A.'s ongoing Game 3 clash, on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

ESPN's Lisa Salters initially reported the news, which head coach JJ Redick later corroborated in a sidelined interview. Redick suggested that Doncic has been dealing with a stomach bug for the last 24 hours or so.

Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times echoed Redick's sentiment about the timeline for the Doncic illness.

I’m told Luka Doncic hasn’t been feeling well since yesterday. Has been dealing with stomach issues. He’s struggled so far
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 26, 2025

Doncic has not been performing well. He's been putting up a brave face while on the floor, but has clearly been bothered by the illness when on the Lakers' bench.

Luka clearly not feeling well on the sidelines… pic.twitter.com/sq0cBbn9Yv
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) April 26, 2025

In 17:23 of action so far, Doncic has scored just five points on 2-of-8 shooting from the field (0-of-4 from deep) and 1-of-2 shooting from the free throw line, while also chipping in five assists, two rebounds, a steal and a block.

More Los Angeles Lakers News: NBA 2K25 Simulates Lakers vs Timberwolves Playoff Series

In a bit of a surprise for a game against a balanced, defense-first Timberwolves team playing on its home turf, the Lakers have actually looked pretty good without their best player at full strength.

His co-stars, 20-time All-NBA power forward LeBron James and shooting guard Austin Reaves, have stepped up in his absence offensively. James has a game-leading 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field and 2-of-4 shooting from the charity stripe, plus five rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block.

Reaves, meanwhile, has 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting from the floor, four rebounds, an assist and a block. The 6-foot-5 pro had been scoring modestly in the 1-1 series' prior two games, but has gotten the message to step up with Doncic ailing.

More Los Angeles Lakers News: Lakers Release Injury Report for Game 3 vs Timberwolves

Forwards Dorian Finney-Smith and Rui Hachimura are doing yeoman's work defensively, while reserve guard Gabe Vincent is trying to control perimeter threats at the point of attack.

With 2:12 remaining in the contest's first half, the Lakers currently lead the Timberwolves by a possession, 50-47.

More Los Angeles Lakers News:

Lakers Expected to Win Timberwolves Series for Surprising Reason

Western Conference Executive Compares Lakers' Austin Reaves to Undrafted Hall of Famer

Los Angeles Insider Walks Back Criticism of Bronny James with Honest Admission

Lakers Linked to $100 Million Blazers Star as Summer Trade Target

For the latest Los Angeles Lakers news and notes, stay glued to Los Angeles Lakers On SI.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Lakers and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: