Luka Doncic Exits to Locker Room Shortly Before Halftime of Game 5 After Awkward Fall

The Lakers star appeared to hurt his back just before halftime in Game 5.

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic exited Game 5 shortly before halftime after an awkward fall. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

With the Los Angeles Lakers trailing by eight with one minute to play in the first half of Game 5 of the team's Western Conference first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Luka Doncic drove to the basket and got tangled up under the hoop, falling awkwardly on a play that appeared to injure the star's back.

Doncic crumbled to the floor and had to be helped to the locker room with the Lakers trailing and trying to stave off elimination from the postseason.

Luka Doncic drives to the rim, gets fouled, and lands awkwardly (with replays).
The play will be reviewed. pic.twitter.com/wxdHJbgELZ

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) May 1, 2025

At the time Doncic left the contest, he had 12 points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Lakers' second half comeback hopes likely hinge on how Doncic is feeling. He returned to the floor as the third quarter began and appeared to be OK.

The Timberwolves lead the series 3-1 and are looking to capture a road win to end the Lakers' season in five games.

---

More NBA on Sports Illustrated

feed