Luka Dončić will sit out the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night because of back tightness. The team is holding out the league’s leading scorer from the second game of their first back-to-back set of the season.
Dončić leads NBA scoring heading into matchup
Dončić leads the NBA with 36.0 points per game. He enters Wednesday’s matchup following a 41-point performance against Portland on Tuesday night. The Trail Blazers handed the Lakers their first loss of the season with a 136-129 victory, dropping the team’s record to 3-1.
The Lakers travel down the I-110 freeway to face the Clippers for the second time in a week. Alongside Dončić, starting forward Ziaire Williams is also sitting out the contest due to left foot soreness.
Durability challenges persist since franchise acquisition
Dončić has won two of the past three NBA scoring titles, but durability has remained a persistent challenge. He has not played in more than 70 games in a single season since his rookie campaign in 2018-19 with Dallas. Last season, he was limited to 64 games and missed the entire two-round playoff run after injuring his hamstring in early April.
Since the franchise acquired Dončić in a blockbuster trade with the Mavericks in early 2025, he has appeared in 96 of the Lakers’ 121 regular-season games. He was sidelined with a calf injury at the time of that trade.
Reaves and younger guards face expanded roles
With Dončić sidelined, Austin Reaves will seize even more touches while leading the Lakers’ starting five against the Clippers. The absence of primary ball handlers opens regular-season opportunities for younger guards on the roster.
Lakers coach JJ Redick explained during training camp that injuries or absences involving primary guards would create immediate playing time for Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, and Chris Mañon. Redick noted that the team requires additional ball handling when players like Dončić or Reaves are out of the lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lakers Injury Report
Why is Luka Dončić missing the game against the Clippers?
Dončić is sidelined due to back tightness. The Lakers are holding him out of the second game of their first back-to-back set of the season after he scored 41 points against Portland on Tuesday.
Who else is unavailable for the Lakers on Wednesday night?
Starting forward Ziaire Williams is also sitting out the matchup against the Clippers due to left foot soreness.
How has Dončić performed since joining the Lakers?
Since arriving in a trade from Dallas in early 2025, Dončić has played in 96 of the Lakers’ 121 regular-season games. He is currently averaging a league-leading 36.0 points per game.
Worth a look