Lakers superstar Luka Doncic unexpectedly exited Slovenia‘s exhibition game against Latvia after suffering what initially appeared to be a troubling knee injury.
The incident occurred following a collision with a teammate in the third quarter, sending the 26-year-old limping to the locker room and igniting widespread concern across the basketball world.
Despite what looked like a scare, initial reports suggest that Doncic escaped significant damage. He managed to return to the bench under his own power, with ice applied to his right knee – a small but welcome sign that the worst may have been avoided.
Injury scare raises alarm, but optimism remains
Earlier in the game, Doncic had put on one of his trademark dazzling displays – scoring 26 points by halftime with a flurry of dynamic drives and deep threes.
The injury halted his momentum abruptly and sidelined him for the remainder of the contest, a cold reminder of how fragile player health can be, even in exhibition play.
Slovenia, meanwhile, struggled without their star, suffering a 100-88 defeat. With group games against Poland, France, and Belgium looming, their EuroBasket campaign now includes a critical subplot: Doncic‘s recovery status and availability.
His presence could turn the tide for both the national team and the Lakers, who restocked their roster this offseason with high-profile veteran additions tailored to complement Doncic ‘s elite skill set.
Despite his injury history – particularly involving his legs and lower body – Doncic has undergone a significant physical transformation, leveraging rigorous upkeep to target peak performance ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Though concerns mounted in those tense late moments, early updates suggest a minor setback rather than a full-blown crisis.
As one Lakers insider noted: Doncic “avoided any serious injury,” a phrase that will be welcome music to the ears of the entire basketball community.
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