Lakers lose Luka to leg contusion vs. Clippers

LOS ANGELES — Lakers star Luka Doncic incurred a left leg contusion during the initial half of Saturday’s match against the LA Clippers and was declared out for the remainder of the game at halftime, according to the Lakers.

Doncic entered the game as the NBA’s leading scorer, averaging a career-high 35.2 points per game alongside 9.1 assists, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.7 steals.

He faced challenges in the first half against the Clippers, managing only 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting (1-of-6 from beyond the arc) along with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 turnovers. The Lakers were down 54-39 at halftime.

The Lakers were also missing three starters: Austin Reaves (left calf), Deandre Ayton (left elbow), and Rui Hachimura (right groin).

Dalton Knecht took Doncic’s spot for the second half.