Luka Doncic said he will “probably” return to the Los Angeles Lakers’ lineup Friday when the team faces the Los Angeles Clippers after missing the final four games before the All-Star break with a mild hamstring strain.
The Lakers are also expected to welcome back Deandre Ayton, while LeBron James is set to be available as well.
Head coach JJ Redick added that Austin Reaves will no longer be playing under a minutes restriction as the team moves closer to full health.
Despite the star power on the roster, Doncic, Reaves, and James have shared the court in only 10 games this season due to injuries.
Redick acknowledged the lack of continuity but emphasized the urgency of the final stretch of the schedule.
“It’s funny, we were talking before the season about building continuity with those three guys, and we’ve had them available together for 10 games,” Redick said.
“It’s just the situation we’re in. We’re not the only team that has had a bunch of health issues throughout the season and had to manage that, but my message to the players this morning was that this is going to be a sprint for these last 28 games.”
Luka Doncic 'Probably' Will Return Friday Versus Clippers https://t.co/bQRNgS0sPu
— RealGM (@RealGM) February 20, 2026
