Fri Feb 21 03:50:00 UTC 2025: **Lakers Star Luka Doncic Out Against Blazers Due to Calf Injury**
PORTLAND, OR – Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic will miss Thursday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers due to ongoing management of a left calf injury, the team announced. Doncic, who recently returned after a significant absence due to a calf strain suffered in December while still with the Dallas Mavericks, played Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets but shot poorly (5-for-18) and turned the ball over six times. While expressing excitement about his return to the court, the Lakers have opted to rest him for the second night of a back-to-back.
The Lakers also announced that Jarred Vanderbilt is out due to right foot surgery management. LeBron James, who missed the All-Star game due to foot and ankle discomfort, is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game. James acknowledged the need for ongoing injury management, but expressed optimism after receiving treatment during the All-Star break.
Doncic’s absence is particularly noteworthy given the Lakers’ upcoming schedule. They face Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, followed by a highly anticipated matchup against Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, on Tuesday.
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