Rob Gray-Imagn Images

NBA Makes Luka Doncic Announcement After Lakers Injury News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 6:33 AM ET

Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 115-107 win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Nikola Jokic remained sidelined with a knee injury, and the Lakers took full advantage.

Doncic went off for 38 points on 12-of-21 shooting, to go along with 13 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and three triples. The six-time All-Star’s latest triple-double led the Lakers to victory, marking their second straight win.

L.A.’s victory over Denver came at a cost, though. They lost Deandre Ayton to an eye injury in the first half. The 7-foot center could not return, casting doubt on his status moving forward.

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed after the game that Ayton got poked in the eye in the second quarter. “He looked like a pirate,” remarked the Lakers coach.

The Lakers have not provided the full details of Ayton’s injury or how much time, if any, he will miss because of it.

The silver lining for the Lakers is that Doncic made history in the win. The league took to social media after the game to announce the 26-year-old’s latest career milestone.

“A triple-double for Luka Dončić in LAL's W! … It's his 7th game this season with 35+ PTS, 10+ AST, and 5+ REB… surpassing Jerry West’s 1969 mark of 6 for the most such games in a single season in Lakers franchise history,” the NBA posted.

A triple-double for Luka Dončić in LAL's W!

✨ 38 PTS
✨ 13 REB
✨ 10 AST

It's his 7th game this season with 35+ PTS, 10+ AST, and 5+ REB… surpassing Jerry West’s 1969 mark of 6 for the most such games in a single season in Lakers franchise history. pic.twitter.com/vpWfXUw7P9
— NBA (@NBA) January 21, 2026

ESPN also reported after the game that Doncic has now climbed the all-time leaderboard for 30-point triple-doubles. He amassed his 52nd 30-point triple-double on Tuesday, surpassing Jokic for No. 2 on the list. Doncic is now chasing Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson, who has 106 30-point triple-doubles under his belt.

Doncic will want to keep it going in the Lakers’ next game, especially if Ayton is unable to play. The Lakers return to action on Thursday for a road matchup against their bitter rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Lakers improved to 26-16 after beating the Nuggets. They remain fifth in the Western Conference.

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

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