Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Lakers Make Luka Doncic Announcement After Leaving 76ers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 5, 2026 11:44 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers returned home from their grueling eight-game road trip on Thursday night to host the Philadelphia 76ers, a matchup with playoff-level implications in a tight Western Conference.

All season long, Luka Doncic has been the engine of this Lakers squad, leading them offensively and staking his claim as an MVP candidate. According to league tracking data, Doncic entered the night averaging 33.2 points, 8.7 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game, putting him among the NBA’s elite all-around performers.

Against Philadelphia, Doncic got off to an uncharacteristically rough start, shooting 3-for-10 from the field for 10 points in the first half as the Lakers tried to find rhythm. But late in the second quarter, things took a concerning turn.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77).© Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

After being double-teamed in the post and turning the ball over, Doncic appeared to grab at his left hamstring on the walk back upcourt and immediately headed for the locker room. He did not return for the remainder of the quarter, a development that will send a collective chill through the Lakers’ fan base.

Doncic remained in the locker room at the start of the second half, with Rui Hachimura replacing him in the starting lineup. Shortly after, the Lakers confirmed that the six-time All-Star will not return to Thursday’s contest while the team continues to evaluate the severity of the issue. Doncic was officially ruled out with left leg soreness.

Luka Doncic will not return with left leg soreness, the Lakers say.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 6, 2026

The Lakers, who just welcomed Austin Reaves back from a 19-game calf injury absence, will hope Doncic's injury is nothing serious. With 32 games left to play in the regular season and at 30-19 and sixth in the West, Los Angeles can ill afford any extended absence to its franchise centerpiece.

Their upcoming schedule includes games vs. the Golden State Warriors, Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, all playoff contenders, meaning that any significant time lost for Doncic could greatly impact the Lakers’ seeding aspirations.

As the Lakers await more clarity on his condition, the hope internally is that Doncic can return quickly to lead the team deeper into the playoff race.

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

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