The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly implementing a strategic approach to managing superstar Luka Dončić’s workload following the All-Star break. The team’s primary focus is to prioritize Dončić’s long-term health and well-being as he acclimates to his new environment and the demands of the NBA season.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dončić is expected to be rested for one game of the Lakers’ upcoming back-to-back set, reflecting the team’s commitment to managing his workload.
Luka Doncic To Miss More Games, Facing Minutes Restriction for Los Angeles Lakers
“The Lakers face an immediate back-to-back on Wednesday and Thursday against Charlotte (home) and Portland (away),” Stein added. “It is believed that Dončić will play in only one of those games before a Saturday night trip to Denver to square off with his close friend Nikola Jokić before the Lakers play host to the Mavericks one week from Tuesday.”
Furthermore, according to Stein, the Los Angeles Lakers will continue to exercise caution with Luka Dončić’s workload upon the team’s return from the All-Star break. Dončić is expected to remain subject to a minute restriction.
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“The Lakers have kept Dončić under 25 minutes in his first two games in purple and gold and are expected to persist with a measured approach as the 25-year-old progresses in his comeback after missing his final 19 games as a Maverick with a left calf strain sustained on Christmas Day,” Stein said.
In his Lakers debut against the Utah Jazz, Dončić recorded 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists, contributing to a 132-113 victory. In the subsequent matchup against the Jazz, Dončić’s performance saw a slight uptick, with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, a block, and a steal, although the Lakers ultimately fell 131-119.