Lakers Rally Past 76ers After Doncic Exits With Injury

The Los Angeles Lakers' Thursday night clash with the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena was supposed to be a showdown between two of the NBA's most electrifying guards: Luka Dončić, the league's leading scorer, and Tyrese Maxey, who has been lighting up the scoreboard for Philadelphia all season. Instead, the contest quickly turned into a test of the Lakers' resilience and depth after Dončić exited in the second quarter with an apparent left leg injury, casting a shadow over L.A.'s eventual 119-115 victory.

Dončić, who entered the game averaging a staggering 33.4 points per contest—tops in the NBA—had been the focal point of the Lakers' offense all season. But with 3:45 left in the second quarter, everything changed. On a routine stepback move in the paint, Dončić grimaced, grabbed the back of his left leg, and limped up the court. After a brief attempt to play through the pain, Lakers head coach JJ Redick called a timeout, and Dončić, clearly frustrated, kicked the scorer’s table and hung his head as he made his way to the locker room. He would not return to the game, and the team later announced he was out for the remainder of the night with left leg soreness.

"He felt some soreness in his hamstring," Redick explained after the game. "It was too early to say whether Dončić was seriously injured. The medical staff will get imaging of his leg Friday." The severity of the injury remains uncertain, but Dončić was seen walking gingerly out of the arena, leaving Lakers fans and teammates holding their breath as the team enters a pivotal stretch before the All-Star break.

Dončić finished with 10 points on 3-for-10 shooting, four rebounds, two assists, and five turnovers in just under two quarters of play. His early exit was a gut punch for a Lakers squad that has seen its share of ups and downs this season. Los Angeles came into the night sitting sixth in the Western Conference, just one game ahead of the surging Phoenix Suns. The timing couldn't have been worse—especially with the Lakers just getting Austin Reaves back from a month-long calf strain absence.

But if Dončić's injury threatened to derail the Lakers, Austin Reaves had other ideas. In only his second game back, Reaves exploded for 35 points in 25 minutes off the bench, including a clutch 13-point outburst in the fourth quarter. His back-to-back three-pointers and two free throws to open the final frame gave the Lakers a six-point cushion they would never relinquish. A later three-pointer from Reaves pushed the lead to 13, and the home crowd erupted as Los Angeles closed in on a hard-fought win.

"No issues and we’ll get a little more minutes allocated to him, just over the restriction," Redick had said of Reaves before the game, referencing his recent return from injury. Reaves made the most of the opportunity, showcasing the shooting and playmaking that had been sorely missed during his absence.

LeBron James, ever the steadying force, chipped in 17 points and 10 assists, orchestrating the offense and keeping the Lakers composed as they battled back from a 14-point deficit. Rui Hachimura, who started the third quarter in place of Dončić, added 14 points off the bench, including the game-sealing basket with just 12.3 seconds remaining. Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt anchored the defense, helping to stifle the 76ers' late push.

Philadelphia, for its part, came into the game riding a five-game winning streak and boasting one of the league's most dynamic scorers in Tyrese Maxey. Maxey, who ranks fifth in the NBA at 28.9 points per game, was the subject of much pregame speculation, with oddsmakers setting his points prop at 26.5. True to form, Maxey attacked the Lakers' defense relentlessly, but Los Angeles' adjustments in the second half kept him from taking over down the stretch.

Both teams were closely matched against the spread coming into the contest: the Lakers were 25-24-0, while the 76ers were 28-22-0, according to the latest betting odds. The projected score had favored the Lakers by a razor-thin margin (117-116), and the actual result proved nearly as tight. The total points line was set at 234.5, with most analysts predicting a slightly lower-scoring affair.

The Lakers' victory was made even sweeter by the debut of newly acquired sharpshooter Luke Kennard, who arrived in Los Angeles via a trade with the Atlanta Hawks just hours before tipoff. The Lakers sent Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round draft pick to Atlanta in exchange for Kennard, a career 44.2% three-point shooter. Kennard's presence is expected to open up the floor for James, Reaves, and, when healthy, Dončić. With Kennard shooting an NBA-best 49.7% from beyond the arc this season, the Lakers hope his addition will help them weather any potential absence from their star guard.

"We love what Luke brings to the table," Redick said. "His shooting just creates so much space for our playmakers. He's going to fit right in with what we're trying to do." Kennard, who has averaged 7.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this season, saw immediate action off the bench and looked comfortable in his new surroundings.

The Lakers' win snapped the 76ers' five-game streak and improved their record to 31-19. But the story of the night remained Dončić's injury and the uncertainty it brings. With four games left before the All-Star break, Los Angeles faces a critical stretch that could define their playoff positioning. If Dončić is forced to miss additional time, the Lakers will need continued heroics from Reaves, James, Hachimura, and their supporting cast.

Philadelphia, now 29-22, saw its momentum slowed but not broken. Maxey remains one of the NBA's most exciting young talents, and the 76ers' strong against-the-spread record suggests they're capable of rebounding quickly. With the playoff race heating up, both teams will be under the microscope as the regular season barrels toward its conclusion.

For now, Lakers fans can celebrate a gutsy win and hope that Dončić's injury is nothing more than a minor setback. The team returns to action Saturday with a marquee matchup against the Golden State Warriors—a game that could have major implications for the Western Conference standings. All eyes will be on Dončić's status, but if Thursday night proved anything, it's that the Lakers have the depth and determination to keep fighting, no matter who is on the floor.