Few teams are hotter than the Lakers, and their success predates Luka Doncic’s debut. L.A. is 14-3 over its past 17 games, and Doncic has fit right in as a playmaker even as he battles through efficiency troubles.
On Friday, the Lakers might have to find a way without Doncic in the second game of a back-to-back.
Doncic said after Thursday’s win over the Timberwolves that he wasn’t sure whether he would play against the Clippers on Friday as he manages the calf issue that kept him off the court for more than a month.
Here’s what you need to know about Doncic’s status for Friday’s contest.
SN’s NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule
Is Luka Doncic playing tonight?
Doncic was originaly listed as a “game-time decision” for Friday’s game against the Clippers due to left calf injury management.
Luka Doncic will be a gametime decision tonight against the Clippers, a source familiar with his plans told ESPN
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 28, 2025
The Lakers have been playing it cautiously with Doncic, who missed several weeks with a calf injury suffered during his time with the Mavericks, and they are doing the same with LeBron James, who was questionable himself Friday night as he manages a foot issue.
Doncic didn’t play the second game of the Lakers’ most recent back-to-back, so it wouldn’t have been a surprise to see JJ Redick sit him out with no more back-to-backs on the schedule until mid-March.
However, Doncic was upgraded to probable closer to game time vs. the Clippers, signaling that he would likely suit up for the contest.
Luka Doncic has been upgraded to probable for tonight’s game. It’ll be his first B2B set of games as a Laker.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 1, 2025
Doncic struggled offensively in a win over Minnesota on Thursday, shooting 6-of-20 from the field and 1-of-9 from 3-point range, but he grabbed 13 rebounds to follow up Tuesday’s triple-double against his former team.
Lakers schedule 2025
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| Feb. 28 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | 10 p.m. |
| Mar. 2 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | 9:30 p.m. |
| Mar. 4 | vs. New Orleans Pelicans | 10:30 p.m. |
| Mar. 6 | vs. New York Knicks | 10 p.m. |
| Mar. 8 | at Boston Celtics | 8:30 p.m. |
The Lakers host the Clippers in back-to-back weekend games before hosting the Pelicans and Knicks on Tuesday and Thursday. L.A. doesn’t go out on the road again until March 8, when Doncic and co. will travel to TD Garden for a high-profile matchup with the Celtics.
