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Lakers' Luka Doncic Shockingly Ruled Out For Matchup vs Bucks

Matt Levine

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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The Los Angeles Lakers will be taking on the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday in the second game of a back-to-back. However, they will be without the services of their star guard Luka Doncic as he has been ruled out for this game.

ESPN NBA insider Dave McMenamin posted the news on social media.

"Lakers star Luka Doncic will not play tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks as he continues to manage a sprained right ankle, sources told ESPN. Thursday marks the final game in L.A.'s brutal six games in eight days stretch of the schedule. LAL has gone 3-2 so far."

With the team being on a back-to-back, the Lakers are prioritizing the health of Doncic long-term. They don't want him to overexert himself on this back-to-back and they are putting rest first as the playoffs approach.

Without Doncic in the lineup, this certainly puts the Lakers at a disadvantage entering this game. Milwaukee should have their stars playing in this contest so the Lakers will need others to heavily step up.

Players such as Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dalton Knecht will need to step up to help Los Angeles keep their winning ways going strong. Los Angeles has won games without Doncic before and they will need a total team effort to take down the Bucks in this matchup.

Doncic offers real star power to the Lakers as co-star LeBron James remains out due to a nagging groin injury. Without the two leaders, Los Angeles will need to find a different way to score points if they want to win.

It won't be easy but this Lakers team fights hard whenever on the court and will at least try to make life tough for the Bucks. Next up following this contest is a matchup with the Chicago Bulls and Doncic should be able to suit up for that game.

More Lakers news:

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Lakers News: Pau Gasol Reveals Anthony Davis Reached Out to Him Before Luka Doncic Trade

Lakers' JJ Redick Talks Bronny James' Biggest Improvement

Lakers Legend Magic Johnson Takes Another Dig at All-Star Anthony Edwards

Nick Wright Makes Bold Prediction Regarding Lakers Postseason Offense

Mavericks Owner Continues to Make Things Worse After Lakers Trade of Luka Doncic

For the latest Los Angeles Lakers news and notes, stay glued to Los Angeles Lakers On SI.

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Matt Levine
MATT LEVINE

Matt earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University in 2021. He was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, covering all Southern California sports in his career.

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