Luka Doncic Injury Update: Los Angeles Lakers Star Scares Fans in Latest EuroBasket Clash | NBA News
Luka Doncic gave the NBA community a major scare during Slovenia’s EuroBasket exhibition against Latvia on August 16, 2025. Thankfully, early reports confirm that Doncic avoided a serious setback and is on track for a quick recovery.
How Luka Doncic Got Injured and was Left Limping
In the third quarter, Luka Doncic was defending under the rim when teammate Gregor Hrovat accidentally crashed into his right knee while backpedaling. Doncic, who had already tallied 26 points, five assists, and four rebounds in the first half, immediately winced in pain and hunched over. He eventually walked off the court without assistance, but the sight of him heading to the locker room rattled fans – especially with his fresh $165 million extension hanging in the balance.
Medical Team Steps In: Why Luka Stayed on the Bench
After sitting on the bench with an ice pack wrapped around his knee, the Los Angeles Lakers star tried to convince Slovenia’s medical staff to let him return. Despite his insistence that he was fine, team doctors played it safe and ruled him out for the rest of the game. Doncic later rejoined his teammates on the bench, looking alert and calm, though still favoring the injured leg.
Doncic’s Official Diagnosis: What Happened to Luka?
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers (Image Credit: Luka/Instagram)
NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed that Luka Doncic’s injury was diagnosed as a right knee contusion – essentially a deep bruise – with no signs of ligament tears, fractures, or sprains. Because he was able to walk off under his own power and medical exams found no structural damage, both Slovenia and the Lakers expect him to recover fully. The setback is not anticipated to impact either Slovenia’s EuroBasket run or the Lakers’ season opener on October 21.
Latest Update on Luka Doncic Injury Status
| Category | Details |
| Date of Injury | August 16, 2025 (vs. Latvia, EuroBasket exhibition) |
| Type of Injury | Right knee contusion (bruise) |
| Severity | Minor – no structural damage |
| Recovery Timeline | Short-term; not expected to miss EuroBasket or NBA season opener |
| Next Evaluation | Further precautionary tests scheduled |
| Impact on Lakers | Cleared to be ready for 2025–26 season start on October 21 |
| Slovenia Outlook | Expected to rest during friendlies; return likely for Aug 28 vs. Poland |
How Doncic Put Up His Resilience on Display
Even while sidelined, Luka Doncic’s grit stood out. He was eager to return despite the pain, a reflection of his competitive edge. His performance against Latvia also underscored his offseason transformation: shedding 31 pounds, embracing a protein-rich diet, and committing to intense daily workouts. This renewed focus has fueled speculation that he could contend for MVP honors in the upcoming NBA season.
Next Steps for Slovenia and the Lakers
• Further precautionary tests will be conducted, but all signs suggest a minor injury. • Slovenia is likely to rest Doncic during friendlies before EuroBasket officially begins against Poland on August 28. • The Lakers expect him to be fully ready for training camp and the 2025–26 season, where he is set to lead the team’s rebuild in the post-LeBron era.Also read: Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves Poised for Mega $20 Million Deal as Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro Resets Guard Salaries
Is Luka’s Condition Serious?
Luka Doncic’s brief scare served as a reminder of the risks when NBA stars compete internationally. Yet, his resilience – and the favorable diagnosis – means fans can breathe easy. With EuroBasket around the corner and the NBA season fast approaching, all eyes will remain on Luka Doncic as he continues to balance national pride with his role as the Lakers’ new franchise cornerstone.
