luka doncic - The Latremie Post

The Mavericks have a huge problem aside from the Nico Harrison drama

The Dallas Mavericks are striving to play a quality brand of basketball while navigating the vocal backlash from a frustrated fanbase. It’s not uncommon to hear “Fire Nico” chants at the American Airlines Center—a direct reference to Mavs general manager Nico Harrison’s controversial decision to trade Luka Doncic last season.

However, there is another emerging challenge facing this Mavericks squad: injuries. Over the past couple of seasons, injuries have been a lingering issue for the team. Anthony Davis, acquired as part of the Doncic trade a season ago, has been especially injury-prone. While some have speculated whether Davis might be traded if the team decides to rebuild, it’s extremely unlikely to happen this season. Currently, Davis is sidelined with an injury. Though unfortunate, it’s not surprising given his history. The Mavericks understood the risks when they made the trade.

The injury concerns that are increasingly grabbing attention, however, revolve around Dereck Lively II.

### Mavericks Have a Dereck Lively II Injury Problem

The future of the Dallas Mavericks is centered around Cooper Flagg, but Dereck Lively II is also frequently mentioned as a core piece who can contribute for years to come. Lively, a 21-year-old 7-foot-1 center, has unfortunately dealt with significant injury troubles early in his career.

Now in his third NBA season, Lively’s durability has been a concern. The most games he has played in a single season is 55, which he achieved during his rookie year. In the 2024-25 campaign, Lively was limited to just 36 games. This season (2025-26), he has appeared in only three games so far.

Lively is currently sidelined with a knee sprain, and no specific timeline has been given for his return. Head coach Jason Kidd has expressed hope that the center can come back this week, but the uncertainty remains.

### What This Means for the Mavericks’ Future

Lively’s injury concerns cannot be overlooked as the Mavericks plan ahead. Ideally, he will regain full health soon and avoid future injuries, but given his early career history, the reality might be more complicated.

From a talent perspective, Lively offers intriguing potential. His imposing size and rim protection make opposing scorers hesitate to attack the basket. He is an excellent finisher on lobs and continues to develop his offensive skill set.

Dallas is clearly not ready to give up on him anytime soon. However, if Lively struggles to stay on the floor over the next couple of years, the Mavericks may be forced into a difficult conversation about his role moving forward.

For now, fans and the organization alike can only hope for a healthy and productive future from Dereck Lively II as he strives to fulfill his promise with the Mavericks.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/dallas-mavericks/mavericks-huge-problem-dereck-lively-ii-nico-harrison

Luka Doncic Predicted to Reunite With Ex-Teammate on Lakers

Seventh-year Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic has been widely predicted to reunite with Daniel Gafford, his former teammate on the Dallas Mavericks, before the NBA trade deadline on February 5.

ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel first reported that the Lakers will pursue Gafford to bolster their depth at the center position behind Deandre Ayton. “One of the teams with strong interest in Gafford dating back to last season is the Los Angeles Lakers, sources said,” Siegel reported on November 7. “Could we see a reunion between Luka Doncic and Gafford in Los Angeles in February?”

Following this, several analysts and fans urged the Lakers to pursue Gafford, given the big man’s proven chemistry with Doncic. Gafford was a key piece of the Mavericks team that made it to the 2024 NBA Finals, averaging 9.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks through 22 postseason games a few seasons ago.

### Lakers Could Pursue Gafford

Noah Weber of The Smoking Cuban believes that Mavericks fans would be heartbroken if the Nico Harrison-led front office trades Gafford to the Lakers, especially considering the historic Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade less than a year ago.

“Seeing him join Doncic once again would break Mavericks fans to the core, but this has seemed like a realistic option for months due to Gafford’s dynamic with Doncic, as well as the Lakers’ team needs,” wrote Weber. “Los Angeles has gotten great production out of Deandre Ayton, but bringing in Gafford would be a major upgrade over Jaxson Hayes.”

Weber also highlighted the strong bond between Gafford and Doncic, noting that Gafford expressed interest in teaming up with Doncic on Team Slovenia. While a trade to the Lakers may be ideal for both Gafford and the Lakers, it would be a tough blow for Mavericks fans.

### Mavericks Not Interested?

This season, Gafford is averaging 8.8 points and 4.4 rebounds but has become somewhat ineffectual on a Mavericks team lacking a true floor general. Dallas currently ranks 29th in offensive efficiency, a situation unlikely to improve until Kyrie Irving returns from his ACL injury.

On paper, trading Gafford makes sense for the Mavericks, given their front-court depth with Derek Lively II, Anthony Davis, and Dwight Powell—not to mention the size advantage on the wings provided by P.J. Washington and Cooper Flagg.

However, the Mavericks reportedly may not be willing to part with Gafford. Over the weekend, NBA insider Marc Stein dismissed rumors of a potential reunion between Doncic and Gafford, citing Lively’s knee injury as a key factor.

“External interest in Gafford is sure to surface, league sources say, but the Mavericks to this point have not entertained the idea of trading him,” Stein wrote on his Substack. “How could they, with Derek Lively II, their would-be center of the future, limited to just three games played thus far due to a knee sprain?”

As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers’ pursuit of Gafford remains a storyline to watch, with potential implications for both teams and their fanbases.
https://heavy.com/sports/nba/los-angeles-lakers/luka-doncic-predicted-to-reunite-with-ex-teammate-on-lakers/

Takeaways: Lakers flatten Timberwolves as Luka Doncic scores 49 points

**Lakers Dominate Timberwolves 128-110 in LeBron James’ Absence**

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers secured a convincing 128-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, despite missing their superstar LeBron James. The matchup marked the second meeting between the teams this season and was a rematch of last year’s first-round playoff series.

Luka Doncic was the star of the night, delivering an outstanding performance with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. The Lakers showcased their offensive prowess by shooting an impressive 59.2% from the field.

### Early Timberwolves Lead Fades Quickly

The Timberwolves started strong, building a double-digit lead in the first quarter. They executed a fast-paced game plan, pushing the ball aggressively after makes and misses, which helped them settle into an early rhythm. Minnesota raced out to a 28-17 lead by hitting 11 of their first 14 shots.

Anthony Edwards led the Wolves’ offense with 31 points, while Julius Randle contributed 26. Despite their early success, the Timberwolves’ defense struggled to contain the Lakers, especially when Doncic was on the floor.

### Lakers Rally in Second Quarter

With Doncic resting on the bench during the second quarter, the Timberwolves’ defensive issues became more evident, as the Lakers clawed back to erase the double-digit deficit and tied the game at 60. The Lakers took a 68-63 lead into halftime with Doncic already tallying 32 points.

### Lakers Extend Lead in Second Half

The third quarter painted a stark picture for Minnesota. After allowing Portland to score 95 points by the end of three quarters earlier in the week, the Wolves gave up an even more daunting 108 points to the Lakers through three quarters on Friday.

Defensive lapses were plentiful, with late rotations, open shooters, and frequent falls for pump fakes. The Lakers kept the pressure on, extending their lead to 14 points early in the fourth quarter.

### Impact of LeBron’s Absence

LeBron James, 40, sat out due to a nerve injury that could keep him sidelined for Wednesday’s game against Minnesota at the Target Center. Without him, Doncic has taken on a heavy offensive load, following up his 43-point debut against Golden State with Friday’s dominant 49-point outing.

### Supporting Cast Steps Up

The Lakers received strong contributions beyond Doncic. Austin Reaves, who the Wolves had limited effectively in the playoffs last season, scored 25 points and provided 11 assists. Rui Hachimura also impressed, scoring 23 points on a highly efficient 10-for-13 shooting.

### Timberwolves’ Rotation and Dillingham’s Debut

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch continued his deep rotation, using 10 players throughout the game. Second-year guard Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NBA draft, was initially left out of the rotation. Finch opted to use Bones Hyland for backup point guard minutes when Mike Conley picked up three first-half fouls. Hyland contributed nine points off the bench, with Jaylen Clark adding another nine.

Dillingham finally got his first minutes of the season with the Wolves trailing 117-98 and just over eight minutes remaining. Unfortunately, his night was cut short after only 59 seconds due to a bloody nose.

### Doncic’s Masterclass

No matter the defensive assignment—be it Jaden McDaniels, Jaylen Clark, or Anthony Edwards—Doncic consistently found open shots, drew fouls, or set up teammates for easy baskets. His masterful performance left the Wolves powerless to stop him and was the defining factor in the Lakers’ dominant win.

The Timberwolves are now 1-1 on the West Coast trip and will return home for their season opener against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Lakers look to continue their strong start as they prepare for upcoming matchups without LeBron James.
https://www.startribune.com/takeaways-lakers-flatten-timberwolves-as-luka-doncic-scores-49-points/601461891

Lakers Coach JJ Redick Gives Encouraging Update on Luka Doncic’s Injury

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/