A concerning image of Luka Dončić making his way off the court with a heavy wrap on his lower left leg has quickly become a focal point for the Los Angeles Lakers after their 103–88 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday night.
Multiple photos of Dončić with his leg tightly wrapped circulated on social media following the game, prompting immediate concern among Lakers fans.
Luka Doncic has his left calf/lower leg taped up at Lakers’ practice pic.twitter.com/BEIJ933Okx
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) December 22, 2025
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Coach JJ Redick confirmed Monday that Dončić suffered a lower left leg contusion, but stressed that the injury is not considered serious.
“He’ll be day to day,” Redick told reporters after practice.
Luka Doncic has a wrap on his left leg after practice Monday. JJ Redick said Doncic was evaluated since the Clippers game and a left calf contusion was confirmed. pic.twitter.com/GObi91V3Nv
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 22, 2025
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Collision With Bogdan Bogdanović Forces Early Exit
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Dončić sustained the injury after a collision with Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanović late in the first half at Intuit Dome. Dončić was visibly hobbling before halftime and informed the coaching staff that he could not continue.
“I saw him hobbling toward the end of the first half,” Redick said. “He came to me at halftime and said he couldn’t go.”
Dončić left the arena without addressing reporters.
The injury appeared unrelated to a similar contusion that sidelined Dončić for three games in late October, though the visual similarities sparked concern.
Dončić Struggles Before Injury as Lakers Fall Behind Early
Before exiting, Dončić endured one of his toughest halves of the season. He scored 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting, including 1-for-6 from three-point range, while committing four turnovers. The Lakers trailed 54–39 at halftime.
Entering the game, Dončić was leading the NBA in scoring at a career-best 35.2 points per game, while also averaging 9.1 assists, 8.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals.
His absence left the Lakers thin offensively, particularly with Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, and Deandre Ayton also sidelined by injuries.
LeBron James Shoulders Load as Lakers Short-Handed
With Dončić unavailable, LeBron James was the lone remaining star for Los Angeles. The 40-year-old forward delivered a season-high 36 points on 15-for-28 shooting, nearly willing the Lakers back after they fell behind by as many as 22 in the third quarter.
James helped cut the deficit to seven early in the fourth before the Clippers pulled away.
“No matter what the circumstances are, it’s still next man up,” James said. “We’re all professionals. We all got to stay ready.”
James also reflected on the broader toll injuries can take.
“The worst thing about sports is injuries,” he said. “You control the controllables, but whoever is in uniform has to go out and execute.”
Lakers Monitor Dončić Ahead of Suns Matchup
The loss dropped the Lakers to 19-8, fourth in the Western Conference. Los Angeles is scheduled to conclude its four-game road trip Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns, with Dončić’s availability uncertain.
Redick said the team will evaluate Dončić daily.
Injury Comes Days After Historic Performance — and Generosity
The timing of Dončić’s injury was particularly jarring given his recent brilliance. Just two nights earlier, he recorded a season-high 45-point triple-double in a 143–135 win over the Utah Jazz, his third triple-double of the season.
That performance came days after Dončić made headlines for a different reason — an extravagant holiday gesture that underscored his growing leadership role within the organization.
“He got everybody in basketball operations,” Redick revealed last week. “I think it was 103 total gifts. Very, very high-end e-bike.”
Based on current retail pricing, Dončić’s gifts — Pedal Electric All-Wheel Drive S models for players and H/T models for staff — carried an estimated total cost exceeding $340,000.
Now, with the Lakers navigating injuries and a rugged stretch of the schedule, the focus shifts from generosity to availability — and how quickly their superstar can return to full strength.
For a team built around championship aspirations, Dončić’s health remains paramount.
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