Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić will be unavailable for Saturday's matchup against the Golden State Warriors due to a hamstring strain. However, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, there is 'initial optimism' that the guard has avoided a major, long-term injury.
Dončić exited Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter after grabbing his hamstring following a stepback move. He did not return, with the team citing left leg soreness. He finished the game with 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 turnovers.
Head coach JJ Redick stated Dončić felt soreness, prompting the medical staff to hold him out. The player was seen walking gingerly after the game. This season, Dončić had been relatively healthy, appearing in 42 of the Lakers' games prior to this setback.
The timing is sensitive for the Lakers, who are fighting for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference. The team hopes this is not the beginning of an extended absence for another key player.