The Los Angeles Lakers opened the 2025-26 NBA season with a mix of brilliance and concern. Luka Dončić erupted for 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors — becoming the first Laker since Kobe Bryant in 2007 to score 40 or more on Opening Night. He also joined Shaquille O’Neal as the only Lakers to post at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a season opener.
But after the final buzzer, a new headline emerged: Dončić was experiencing discomfort in his right groin and inner leg. The sight of him favoring that leg sparked instant anxiety across Los Angeles.
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Redick and Dončić Downplay the Injury
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By Wednesday morning, head coach JJ Redick offered reassurance. “He seems to be fine. I don’t think it’s anything major,” Redick told reporters, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “He got some treatment this morning, and we didn’t practice long, but he was a participant in practice.”
Dončić echoed that optimism. “It’s probably nothing,” he said after the game. “Just felt it a little bit because my hip went the opposite way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing.”
The Lakers superstar underwent light treatment Wednesday, but the team expects him to be available Friday night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s a welcome sign given his previous history of muscle injuries, which included calf, quad, and groin issues over the past year.
Lakers Depth Tested Early
Even with Dončić’s brilliance, the Lakers’ offensive struggles were glaring. Only Austin Reaves (26 points) and Deandre Ayton (10 points) joined him in double figures, and Los Angeles shot just 25 percent from three.
LeBron James’ absence due to a sciatica issue only magnified the gap in depth. With James targeting a mid-November return, Redick must find ways to spark Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Marcus Smart — veterans who combined for just 11 points in the opener.
For now, though, the Lakers can exhale. Their new franchise centerpiece looks healthy enough to keep playing — and his debut reminded everyone why Los Angeles bet its future on Doncic
