Lakers receive disappointing update on Luka Dončić ahead of the All-Star Break

The Los Angeles Lakers received more discouraging news just days before the NBA All-Star break, as franchise star Luka Dončić continues to be sidelined with a left hamstring strain.

According to league sources cited by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Dončić will not suit up Thursday against the Dallas Mavericks — his former team — marking his fourth straight missed game.

“He is still progressing in his rehab and hopes to be able to make an appearance in Sunday’s All-Star game, sources said,” McMenamin shared on X.

His absence eliminates what was expected to be a much-anticipated reunion matchup and highlights the Lakers’ increasingly cautious approach with their superstar as the team nears the All-Star break.

Lakers Take Careful Approach With Dončić’s Injury

Ahead of Tuesday’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs, head coach JJ Redick provided a brief update on Dončić’s status.

“Luka continues to progress,” Redick said, offering no additional details.

The restrained update contrasted with earlier optimism. Earlier in the week, McMenamin reported that Dončić had resumed running and was expected to participate in five-on-five contact drills, with hopes of returning in time to face Dallas.

Instead, the Lakers chose to keep him out, either reflecting increased caution or indicating the injury may be more persistent than first believed.

Insider Breaks Down Recovery Timeline

Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up on Friday, insider Brian Windhorst explained the key factor influencing Dončić’s timeline.

“It really comes down to, is this a mild strain, a first-degree?” Windhorst said. “If that’s the case, the All-Star break comes next week and he could be back without missing too many games. If it’s a more serious Grade 2, now you’ve got a bigger problem.”

Although Redick has consistently described the injury as a mild strain, Thursday will mark about one week since Dončić suffered the setback — an important benchmark in hamstring recovery.

Windhorst also noted that Dončić’s recent string of injuries makes a cautious approach even more important, particularly given the physical toll his heavy usage takes on his lower body.

Injury Occurred After 76ers Win

Dončić left last Thursday’s 119–115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers late in the second quarter and did not return. Initially listed as left leg soreness, an MRI later confirmed a hamstring strain.

“Even though it’s considered a mild strain, he’s never really dealt with a hamstring issue before in his eight-year NBA career, so the rehab is new to him,” McMenamin said Tuesday on SportsCenter.

That lack of prior experience with the injury has made predicting his return more difficult.

Dončić is currently leading the league in scoring with 32.8 points per game, along with 8.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds. He has already missed 11 games this season due to leg-related issues, and the Lakers have gone 5-6 in those games.

All-Star Status Uncertain

His availability for Sunday’s All-Star Game is now unclear.

The 26-year-old was selected as an All-Star starter for the sixth time and, for the first time in his career, led the league in fan voting with more than 3.4 million votes — an achievement that holds special meaning for him.

“That’s meaningful to him, to be out there on the court to represent his fans,” McMenamin noted.

Redick has also acknowledged Dončić’s eagerness to participate.

“I’ve been around him as a teammate and as a coach, and I know if he’s able to play, he plays,” Redick said Saturday. “He wants to be in the All-Star Game.”

For now, the Lakers appear committed to prioritizing Dončić’s long-term health over short-term considerations as they navigate the stretch run toward the playoffs.