Lakers’ Luka Doncic gets encouraging injury update for Christmas clash vs. Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers are forced to finish their four-game road trip without their number one option, as Luka Doncic was ruled out for Tuesday’s matchup versus the Phoenix Suns with a lower left leg contusion. The good news is that the Slovenian superstar may not miss much time. Actually, he could be back as soon as Christmas.

“They’re saying this is just a bruise, so they’re gonna be working on some type of wrap or perhaps padding that Luka can wear on the leg to protect from things like the knee that he took from Bogdan Bogdanovic in the Clippers game,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported, per the Oh No He Didn’t X account. “There’s still a very real possibility that he feels good enough to go Thursday against the Rockets.”

"There's still a very real possibility that he feels good enough to go against the Rockets" – @mcten on Luka's status for Xmas pic.twitter.com/7G9omOFhCt

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) December 23, 2025

The Lakers-Houston Rockets holiday clash will mark the first time the two teams face each other this season, so there is extra intrigue surrounding the game. Although LA is sitting in a good position at 19-8, facing the Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun-led squad will be a good test for this group. However, acing this exam will be far more grueling if Doncic is unavailable.

The five-time All-NBA First-Team selection has been terrific through 21 games, averaging 34.1 points on 45.8 percent shooting with 8.8 assists, 8.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals this season. Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick has other stars he can turn to like LeBron James and the returning Austin Reaves, but Luka Doncic is the engine.

The current scoring leader will watch on as the Lakers battle the Suns (15-13) in the Mortgage Matchup Center, and hope that he is able to suit up on Christmas Day.

The post Lakers’ Luka Doncic gets encouraging injury update for Christmas clash vs. Rockets appeared first on ClutchPoints.