The Los Angeles Lakers will be forced to navigate a tough stretch of their three‑game road trip without two of their biggest stars this Friday night when they visit the Boston Celtics. Luka Doncic will sit out his second consecutive contest after the Slovenian superstar took a personal matter leave, according to head coach JJ Redick. Redick told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that Doncic “is dealing with a personal issue” and will not be available for Friday’s showdown at TD Garden.
Compounding the Lakers’ roster woes, LeBron James remains on the injury report with sciatica and a left‑foot ailment. James has started six games since returning from his sciatica flare‑up earlier this season, but he has struggled to find rhythm, posting modest per‑game averages of 21.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting just 43 % from the field. Redick confirmed that James will also miss Friday’s game, leaving the Lakers to rely heavily on a depleted roster.
What’s the timeline for Doncic’s return?
Redick gave a glimmer of hope, stating that Doncic “could be back for Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers” – the finale of the Lakers’ current road swing. “We’re hopeful Luka will be ready for Sunday,” Redick said, adding that the team is “taking it day‑by‑day” but anticipates his return before the road trip concludes.
Doncic’s season‑to‑date performance
Doncic has been a force unlike any other in the league this season. He is averaging 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game, leading the NBA in scoring and sitting near the top of the league in assists. His elite play has been the backbone of a 16‑5 record for Los Angeles, good for second place in the tough Western Conference standings. Without him, the Lakers have dropped to 2‑3 on the road this season, underscoring just how critical his presence is.
Impact of James’ absence
LeBron’s sciatica has limited him to limited minutes in recent outings, and his shooting efficiency has dipped to 43 % FG – far below his career norms. The Lakers’ offense has struggled to generate consistent spacing and secondary scoring without his floor‑spacing and playmaking, forcing Redick to lean on role players like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura and Max Christie to fill the void.
Looking ahead
After the Philadelphia game on Sunday, the Lakers will enjoy two full days of rest* before returning home to host the San Antonio Spurs in the quarterfinal round of the Emirates NBA Cup. Redick indicated that Doncic’s status will be re‑evaluated after Sunday’s practice, but the coach is “optimistic” about having him back for the Spurs matchup.
Bottom line:
Los Angeles heads into Friday night’s tilt against Boston without Doncic and LeBron, a scenario that will test the depth of their roster. The hope is that *Doncic returns for Sunday’s 76ers game*, giving the Lakers a chance to recapture their winning rhythm before the critical Emirates NBA Cup showdown with San Antonio.
