Luka Doncic will miss Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns with a lower left leg contusion suffered Saturday against the LA Clippers. The injury occurred in the first quarter when Bogdan Bogdanovic kneed Doncic in the left calf.
JJ Redick said Doncic is considered day-to-day. Doncic had a large wrap on his calf muscle when the Lakers opened practice to media on Monday.
Doncic missed three games in the first week of the season after suffering a similar contusion. The latest injury marks the second time this season he has missed time because of a leg bruise.
“It’s been diagnosed and confirmed as a lower leg contusion,” Redick said when asked if Doncic received image testing on the muscle.
Doncic is averaging 34.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.8 assists in his first full season with the Lakers. His absence comes as the team continues managing multiple injuries across the roster.
The Lakers will receive reinforcements Tuesday despite Doncic’s absence. Deandre Ayton, who missed the last two games with a left elbow injury, fully participated in practice Monday and is set to play against the team that drafted him first overall.
Austin Reaves, who has missed the Lakers’ last three games with a mild calf strain, participated in parts of practice and is questionable to return.
The Lakers finished Saturday’s 103-88 loss to the Clippers with soon-to-be 41-year-old LeBron James as the lone healthy starter. James scored 36 points in the defeat.
Rui Hachimura, who did not play against the Clippers because of groin soreness, is out for Tuesday’s game. Reserve guard Gabe Vincent, who has a back strain, is also unavailable.
The Lakers’ injury situation has forced Redick to rely on limited rotations throughout December. Dalton Knecht has filled in as a starter during recent games to compensate for missing players.
Los Angeles sits 19-8 and fourth in the Western Conference despite the mounting health concerns. The team hosts fifth-place Houston on Christmas Day after Tuesday’s matchup with Phoenix.