Los Angeles Lakersstar Luka Doncic has been ruled out for the team’s upcoming game against the Los Angeles Clippers due to a calf injury. The marquee matchup, set to take place at Intuit Dome on February 4, will now see the Lakers without one of their key playmakers as they battle their cross-town rivals.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report for the game against the LA Clippers (February 4, 2025)
Luka Doncic is one of six Los Angeles Lakers players currently listed on the injury report. Alongside him, Christian Wood (knee) and Maxi Kleber (foot) have also been ruled out, while LeBron James is listed as probable with a foot injury. Additionally, Cameron Reddish remains day-to-day for personal reasons, and Gabe Vincent is questionable with a knee issue.
Doncic’s absence is a major blow for the Lakers, who rely on his playmaking and scoring ability. With the team already struggling to find consistency, missing a player of his caliber could make their task even tougher against a Clippers squad looking to gain ground in the Western Conference standings.
Luka Doncic’s Impact on the Los Angeles Lakers’ performance
Without Luka Doncic, the Lakers will need others to step up. LeBron James, who is averaging 24.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists over the last 20 games, will likely shoulder more of the offensive load. Austin Reaves, averaging 19.7 points per game, could also see an increased role.
The Los Angeles Lakers currently sit 17th in the league in scoring, putting up 112.2 points per game, while their defense ranks 12th, allowing 112.3 points per contest. Their rebounding struggles continue, as they rank 28th in the NBA with just 41.4 boards per game. The absence of Luka Doncic, a solid rebounder and facilitator, only exacerbates this issue.
LA Clippers look to take advantage tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers (February 4, 2025{)
The Clippers, who enter the game with a 28-21 record, have fewer injury concerns. They will be without Nicolas Batum (illness) and Cam Christie (ankle), but their core remains intact. James Harden (18.8 PPG, 7.9 APG) and Ivica Zubac (14.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG) have been key contributors, and Norman Powell has provided a scoring spark off the bench with 21.9 points per game.
Currently ranking third in the NBA in points allowed per game (107.2), the Clippers’ defense could make things even more difficult for the short-handed Lakers.
The Lakers will need to rely on their depth and seasoned leadership as they get through this phase without Doncic. Every game matters as the Western Conference standings become closer, so they’ll need to figure out how to remain competitive even without important players.
Also read: Will LeBron James play tonight against the LA Clippers? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s injury report (February 4, 2025)
When and where to watch tonight’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers (February 4, 2025)
The game tips off at 10:00 PM ET on TNT, truTV, and Max. So, don’t miss out on tonight’s action between