Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared a promising update on Luka Doncic‘s injury ahead of Friday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Doncic was favoring his right groin late in the Lakers’ opening night loss to the Golden State Warriors. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, coach JJ Redick told reporters after Wednesday’s practice that Doncic was a full participant. Redick described the injury as minor, but the Slovenian superstar did undergo treatment.
“He seems to be fine. I don’t think it’s anything major. He got some treatment this morning, and we didn’t practice long, but he was a participant in practice,” Redick said.
This was an encouraging update, considering Doncic’s previous issues with muscle-related injuries last season. He underwent a different offseason regimen this past summer, focusing on his body, health, and conditioning. The hard work and dedication paid off based on how well Doncic performed for Slovenia at the 2025 EuroBasket.
He also looked fantastic in the Lakers’ season opener against the Warriors, finishing with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. However, it wasn’t enough to prevent a 119-109 defeat.
### Doncic Downplays Injury
Speaking at the postgame press conference on Tuesday, Luka Doncic was asked about his injury and whether it was serious. Doncic downplayed the issue and called it “nothing.” He said it was a hip issue but sounded very optimistic.
“It’s probably nothing. Just felt it a little bit because my hip went (the opposite) way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing,” Doncic said.
Obviously, some Lakers fans were concerned to see Doncic uncomfortable and in pain. The franchise has heavily invested in “The Don” this offseason, signing him to a three-year, $165 million extension, according to Spotrac.
The Lakers were already without LeBron James, who has been dealing with sciatica since late July to early August. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported earlier this week that James is targeting a return to action by mid-November.
According to Fox Sports, Doncic has had multiple injuries to his calf, knee, back, ankle, groin, and quad since December 25, 2024.
### Lakers’ Depth In Question
The Lakers entered the 2025-26 NBA season filled with hope after Luka Doncic signed an extension and LeBron James opted into the final year of his contract. However, CBS Sports’ Brad Botkin pointed out after the Lakers’ opening night loss to the Warriors that the team’s depth isn’t strong.
With James out, coach JJ Redick cannot solely rely on Doncic and Austin Reaves for the majority of their offense.
“You simply cannot rely on two dudes combining for 69 points, 18 assists and 17 rebounds while logging a combined 76 minutes, especially if you’re still losing the game. Those are not sustainable numbers through any lens,” Botkin wrote.
Redick will have to find ways to get their role players going, especially Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent, who both started against the Warriors. Hachimura had nine points in 36 minutes, while Vincent produced just two points in 29 minutes.
The Lakers’ ability to find additional contributors will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the season without their star players at full health.
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/los-angeles-lakers/jj-redick-update-luka-doncic-injury/
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