Luka Doncic Announces Update After Raptors Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 8:32 AM ET

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic returned to the lineup Sunday against the Toronto Raptors after missing Saturday’s 132-116 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers due to left groin soreness, a nagging injury that had limited him throughout the week. The Lakers struggled in his absence against Portland, as the Blazers’ Shaedon Sharpe led Portland to an impressive road win.

In Sunday’s game, Doncic helped power the Lakers to a 110-93 victory. He scored 25 points and handed out seven assists, adding a strong performance alongside LeBron James (24 points, seven assists, four rebounds) and Deandre Ayton (25 points, 13 rebounds) to snap Los Angeles’ slump.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) moves the ball against Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) and forward Collin Murray-Boyles (12).© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Lakers held the Raptors to a season-low 93 points and dominated late in the fourth quarter, while the win also improved them to 25-16, the sixth best record in the Western Conference.

After the game, Doncic was asked about his injury status and offered a candid but encouraging update. On the groin issue, he said: “It's okay. Not bad.” He also acknowledged that the injury still affects him.

“Yeah, maybe a little bit. But obviously I’m gonna try to play through it.”

Luka Dončić (25 PTS, 7 AST, 2 REB) on Deandre Ayton:

"Very good. When he plays like this, focused on both ends, it helps us a lot. It helps us win games and that's what we need from him." pic.twitter.com/wm8cF2wpsX
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) January 19, 2026

The news is a huge relief for the Lakers, who have battled injuries all season and remain shorthanded with Austin Reaves still sidelined with a left calf strain. Doncic’s presence has been vital; in addition to leading the Lakers in scoring, he leads the NBA this season with an average of 33.3 points per game, along with 8.6 assists and 7.5 rebounds.

With momentum from the Raptors win, the Lakers now turn their focus to a tough road test against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night, with Doncic’s health expected to be closely monitored.

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

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