Lakers get tough news on Luka Doncic before Blazers game originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers received unfortunate injury news ahead of Saturday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Luka Doncic won’t play due to left groin soreness. Austin Reaves (left calf sprain) and Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) are also out.
Deandre Ayton (left knee soreness) and Jaxson Hayes (left hamstring tendinopathy) are questionable.
The Blazers may also be without a star player. Forward Deni Avdija (lower back strain) is doubtful. Avdija is averaging a team-high 26.1 points and could be named an All-Star this season.
Doncic had 39 points, three rebounds and four assists Thursday in the Lakers’ 135-117 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He has scored 30+ points in seven of his past nine games, including a 42-point effort Monday against the Sacramento Kings.
More:ESPN NBA analyst rips Lakers after recent blowout loss
Doncic is leading the NBA in scoring this season, averaging 33.6 points per night. He is shooting 46.8% from the field, 33.4% from three and averaging a team-high 8.7 assists. Saturday will be his eighth missed game of the season.
Guards Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent could see increased minutes in Doncic’s absence. Guard Kobe Bufkin, who was recently signed by the Lakers, could also see a bigger role. Bufkin played 17 minutes against the Hornets.
LA will look to slow down the red-hot Blazers, who have won seven of their past 10 games. Portland defeated the Atlanta Hawks 117-101 on Thursday.
The Lakers (24-15) are fifth in the Western Conference, 8.5 games behind the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. LA has lost four of its past five games, including three losses by double-digits.
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https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-tough-news-luka-doncic-033616159.html
