Lakers' Luka Doncic Briefly Exits Game After Red-Hot Start vs. Clippers

Doncic scored 12 early points before leaving the game.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) chase a loose ball during the first quarter at Crypto.com Arena. | Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images

The newest Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic was off to a torrid start on Sunday night against the crosstown rival Los Angeles Clippers.

Doncic scored 12 points in the first quarter, hitting 4-of-5 shots from the field including 3-of-4 threes. He added three rebounds and three assists as the Lakers jumped to an early 34-28 lead.

After subbing out of the game, Doncic headed to the locker room, appearing to favor his right leg as he headed into the tunnel. The Lakers have not yet issued an update on his status.

Luka is heading to the locker room… he’s holding his thigh. pic.twitter.com/nQehCfmy74

— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 3, 2025

Luckily for the Lakers, Doncic's injury does not appear to be serious.

He quickly returned to the Lakers bench and has checked back into the game for L.A. midway through the second quarter.

This is a developing story. Check back here for more updates.