Lakers Get Good News on Luka Dončić Injury
The Los Angeles Lakers offered some relief to anxious fans after The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported that there are no long-term concerns about Luka Dončić’s injuries, even as the superstar is expected to miss multiple games.
Dončić, who is dealing with a sprained left finger and lower leg contusion, was officially ruled out for at least one week, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. But Woike’s update shifted the tone from worry to optimism.
“Source tells me there’s no long-term concerns here,” Woike wrote. “Obviously, a relatively quick re-evaluation period signals the same.”
A Sigh of Relief in Los Angeles
Woike’s intel underscores that while the Lakers’ new franchise cornerstone will miss time, the organization does not view the setback as serious. The quick re-evaluation window suggests Dončić’s injuries are minor rather than structural.
His return, however, will depend on how his finger responds to treatment and whether the swelling in his leg subsides.
Dr. Evan Jeffries, an NBA and NFL injury expert based in San Diego, told fans on X that even with an optimistic diagnosis, Dončić will likely need a ramp-up period before returning to full action.
“This likely means Luka won’t be back exactly in a week — he’ll need a ramp-up period,” Jeffries wrote. “Based on the Lakers’ schedule, he could miss approximately 5–10 games.”
Dončić’s Injury Comes Amid Historic Start
The setback halts what had been one of the most explosive starts to a Lakers season in franchise history. Through two games, Dončić is averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, including a 49-point masterpiece in the Lakers’ 128–110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
He also tallied 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a narrow season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Dončić’s first two performances made him the first player in Lakers history to score over 90 points across the team’s first two games of a season.
‘Underrated’ Big Man Pinpointed As Ideal Boston Celtics Target
The Boston Celtics center rotation is a genuine weak point within Joe Mazzulla’s roster. The franchise lost Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford
Boston’s lack of talent in the middle of the floor is already showing, especially on the defensive glass, where the team is struggling to force opponents into single-shot possessions. It’s clear that at some point, the Celtics will likely need to trade for a starting-level center, be that this season or in the near future.
According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, Goga Bitadze could be a viable target to shore up Boston’s big man rotation.
“The Boston Celtics enter the season thin at the center position and are obviously concerned about their current and future finances,” Swartz wrote. “Trading for Goga Bitadze would solve a number of issues. Bitadze is one of the most underrated players in the
Bitadze would likely be an attainable trade target. The
The Celtics’ Issues Aren’t Just At Center
It’s not just the center rotation that is a problem for the Celtics. Their front-court rotation is also an area of concern. There’s limited depth at the power forward position, which is why Sam Hauser is playing outside of his role to begin the year.
Furthermore, the lack of depth across the wing could become an issue if the Celtics find themselves navigating injuries during the year. By potentially adding Bitadze to the rotation, Mazzulla could move
Of course, once Jayson Tatum
Tatum Isn’t Expected To Return This Season
During a recent interview on WEEI, Wyc Grousbeck noted how the Celtics are operating under the assumption that Tatum will not return to the rotation this season.
“We’re not gonna ever ask him to come back,” Grousbeck said. “We’re assuming he’s not coming back. And we’re not even gonna have any discussions about it. If at the end of — at some point he’s gonna be ready to come back, whenever that is, we’ll get five doctors’ opinions. I’ll never bet against Jason Tatum, but nor will he be asked by the Celtics to come back early. That’s not gonna happen.”
Grousbeck on Jayson Tatum “He’s expected to not be here this season.”
Everyone going to run with this same as with Tatum saying he wants to return. Nothing had changed. When JT 100% medically cleared they’ll all decide together whether he plays this yr.
Even if Tatum does return to the rotation this season, he won’t be near his best. It will take time for him to ramp back up and get back to the All-NBA level we’ve become accustomed to.
Therefore, the Celtics’ lack of depth in the front court remains a legitimate issue. Whether Brad Stevens decides to make a move or ride it out, will be the question on everyone’s lips as we get closer to the trade deadline.
