Image Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Lakers vs Hornets: Will Luka Doncic play tonight? Latest injury update on Lakers’ new star

Luka Doncic is averaging 27 points, eight rebounds and 7.5 assists per game this season.

Image Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

The NBA world is slowly getting accustomed to seeing former Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic in the purple and gold jersey. Doncic, who was traded to the Lakers in a blockbuster deal, has played two games for the new side, and delivered decent performances. The 25-year-old made his Lakers debut during the match up against the Jazz on February 10.

The Lakers recorded a win in the first match and suffered a blowout win in Luka’s second game with the side. The Slovenian was on minute restrictions in both the games, but came up with 14 and 16 points, respectively.

The five-time All-Star will be on minute restrictions in the upcoming game as well.

However, the Lakers coach JJ Redick shared a positive update about their newest signing and revealed that he will be available for full-time play going forward, starting from the Trailblazers clash on Thursday, Feb. 20.

Redick said, “He’ll be fine…His minutes will be up tomorrow. And I don’t think that there’s going to be any restriction going forward.”

JJ Redick on if Luka will still be on minute-restriction after the break:

"He'll be fine…His minutes will be up tomorrow. And I don't think that there's going to be any restriction going forward." pic.twitter.com/U9HVO67O08
— VandoMuse (@VanderbiltMuse) February 19, 2025

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Will Luka Doncic play against the Hornets?

For the first time in two months, Luka Doncic has been removed from the injury list. He will start for the Lakers against Hornets. While all players are fit for the fifth-seeded side in the Western Conference, their superstar LeBron James is on the injury list. James missed his 21st All-Star Game, citing ankle injury. He is questionable for the forthcoming game.

Maxi Kleber is out for the upcoming game with his right foot surgery recovery.

Talking about the Hornets, they will be without several players due to various reasons. Tre Mann will miss the upcoming game due to a disc herniation, Brandon Miller is recovering from right wrist ligament repair, Josh Okogie will be out with a left hamstring strain. Not only this, but Grant Williams is also out for the season following a right ACL repair.

The 14th-seeded Eastern Conference has LaMelo Ball listed probable with ankle injury while Mark Williams listed probable due to personal reasons. However, as per various reports, Williams, averaging at 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists, could be back in the lineup. If Williams happens to play, he could show the Lakers that they should have continued with the trade.

Charlotte Hornets

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.