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Luka Doncic Injury Status Lakers vs Hornets

Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA;  Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) passes during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
Feb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) passes during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images | Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

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The Los Angeles Lakers will be back on the court for the first time in a week as they get set to play the Charlotte Hornets for the second and final time of the season.

The Lakers had a long and well-deserved break, but now the toughest stretch of the season is upon them. L.A. has 30 games left in the season, and it will all begin tonight against the Hornets.

L.A. will look back to 13 games above .500 after Wednesday's matchup. The matchup looks favorable on paper, as they face a 13-win Hornets team.

Nonetheless, nothing is given in the league, which is why it is pivotal for the Lakers to stay healthy and remain that way throughout the rest of the season.

The Lakers will be a healthy bunch for the most part, as they will have their superstar guard, Luka Dončić, on the court with them tonight.

Dončić did not appear on the injury report released on Tuesday and is set to be available and start.

Lakers reporter Mike Trudell shared via X.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said tonight will be the final time Dončić will be on a minute restriction. The Lakers will play it by ear, but the hope is tonight will be the last time he is on a minute restriction.

Not only has Dončić not played basketball in a while prior to his Lakers debut on Feb. 10, but it was due to a left calf strain.

It has been an issue for Dončić for the past few months, and he was off for more time than he would have liked to get as close to 100 percent healed.

In two games as a Laker thus far, Dončić is averaging 15.0 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 0.5 steals while shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from three in only 23.5 minutes of action.

In the season, Dončić is averaging 34.6 minutes, so we have yet to receive the full Luka Dončić experience in Los Angeles.

The Lakers are heavy home favorites in this matchup with a -12.5 spread.

They will look to keep their seven-game home streak alive and look for their 20th win in front of their fans.

L.A. has gone 8-2 in their last 10 games, averaging 121.3 points per game. The Lakers will look for their 33rd win of the season.

More Lakers: Lakers to Remove Minutes Restrictions for Luka Doncic This Week

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