Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Luka Doncic Update After Leaving Lakers-Cavaliers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 7:52 PM ET

Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers continued their road trip Wednesday night with a matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, entering the game riding momentum and seeking a third straight win. Fresh off his sixth NBA All-Star selection, Doncic came in playing some of the best basketball in the league, anchoring the Lakers’ offense and setting the tone early in this stretch of road games.

Cleveland opened the night with a quick 7-0 run, but the Lakers responded with eight unanswered points to settle into the game. That stability was short-lived, however, as Los Angeles was hit with an early concern involving its franchise star.

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

With 7:57 left in the first quarter, Doncic appeared to tweak his ankle while attempting a three-point shot on Cleveland’s uneven court. He immediately showed discomfort and was helped off the floor before heading to the locker room for further evaluation. The moment cast uncertainty over the Lakers’ night, given how central Doncic has been to their recent success.

However, the team’s concerns were put to rest. Doncic returned to the bench after spending time in the locker room, signaling that the injury was not immediately deemed serious. He later returned to the game in the final minutes of the quarter and registered his first points of the game.

Doncic is back in the game. https://t.co/bEJQCEuNS4
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 29, 2026

Any extended absence would have been a major blow for head coach JJ Redick and the team. Doncic entered the game leading the NBA in scoring at 33.8 points per game, while averaging 7.8 rebounds and 8.8 assists. He has scored at least 30 points in each of his last five games, consistently carrying the Lakers offensively.

After facing Cleveland, the Lakers will continue their road trip against the Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets before returning home to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Feb. 5.

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

More must-reads: