Is Luka Doncic playing in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game? Lakers star gives latest injury update

The 2026 NBA All-Star Game promises plenty of intrigue, with a new format that will see the USA’s top stars face their international counterparts. However, the absence of several marquee names, including Steph Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo, threatens to take some of the shine off the event. Luka Doncic, though, will be strutting his stuff, even if not quite as much as fans might hope.

Luka Doncic provides injury update before All-Star Game

The Slovenian superstar has missed the Los Angeles Lakers’ last four games because of a left hamstring strain, the kind of injury you would be foolish to rush. As a result, his participation in the All-Star Game was in serious doubt.

Speaking to reporters, however, Doncic confirmed he will feature for Team World, at least for a limited stint.

“I feel pretty good. I’ve been working to get back. Obviously, I wanted to play the last Lakers game, but it wasn’t possible. I was almost there. So, I think I’m going to play a little bit.”

The 26-year-old did not clarify what “a little bit” means, although reports suggest Doncic could appear in one of Team World’s two round-robin games, against either USA Stars or USA Stripes.

No dunking on LeBron

LeBron James is set to suit up for Stripes, and Doncic was asked whether he might have something special planned for his Lakers teammate.

“No,” he laughed. “I will not try to dunk on LeBron.”

Does that make the former Dallas Mavericks star more likely to line up against Team Stars instead? We will find out soon enough.

Doncic responds to Kevin Durant criticism

Doncic also pushed back on comments made by Kevin Durant, who recently suggested the All-Star Game has lost its competitive edge in recent years because of the attitude of international players such as the Slovenian and Nikola Jokic, who he claimed “don’t care at all.”

“It was already like that when I played my first one,” responded Doncic. “So I don’t know why KD mentioned Nikola and me. But I think it will be more competitive this year with the new format.”

2026 NBA All-Star Game schedule

Sunday, February 15

5pm ET: USA Stars vs. Team World

5:55pm ET: USA Stripes vs. Winner of USA Stars vs. Team World

6:25pm ET: USA Stripes vs. Loser of USA Stars vs. Team World

7:10pm ET: Championship Game

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