Luka Doncic misses first Lakers game already amid departure rumors: “He never wanted to be a Laker”

The Los Angeles Lakers returned to winning ways on Thursday with a 110-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, inspired by LeBron James, who became the first player over 40 in NBA history to score at least 40 points in more than one game.

Additionally, Austin Reaves bounced back from being ejected from the defeat to the Charlotte Hornets by recording 32 points.

• “It’s sad, I know Doncic wanted to end up like me”

James and Reaves flourished in the absence of new star Luka Doncic, who missed his first Lakers game after making three relatively low-key appearances for his new team following his blockbuster trade from the Dallas Mavericks.

Why didn’t Luka Doncic play against the Trail Blazers? Is he injured?

Fitness issues were reportedly one of the main reasons the Mavs actively tried to offload the 25-year-old, whose recent calf injury delayed his Lakers debut.

After the victory over the Trail Blazers, LA coach JJ Redick played down fears Doncic could be set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines, explaining he had been left out as a precaution as he returns to full fitness.

“Speaking with him Tuesday night after practice, we sat down together. He’s all in. It’s the mental part of the shock and everything, he’s in a really good place. And now we’ve got to get him physically where he needs to be to be.”

More Doncic trade revelations

In recent days, more eye-catching revelations have been made about Doncic’s shock move from Dallas to Los Angeles, with Rich Paul, Anthony Davis’ agent, explaining he didn’t know his client was going to be traded for the Slovenian until it was happening.

In addition, ESPN’s NBA insider Brian Windhorst has reported Doncic, unlike many other players, never had his heart set on a move to California and that he could already be contemplating leaving the franchise he has only just joined.

Luka Doncic linked with move away from the Lakers

The Lakers inherited Doncic’s Mavericks contract, which means he will be able to opt out after the 2025/26 season and head into unrestricted free agency.

“The pressure is on the organization (the Lakers) between now and August 2 to get Luka to sign that extension,” claims Windhorst. “That’s where the pressure is. Because Luka doesn’t have his incentive to sign in LA. He never said ‘I want to be a Laker’.

“Dozens of players over the years make it crystal clear the want to be Lakers. Luka never said that. This hit him out of the blue. It cost him $100 million. He’s got to see how they build this team around him and what they do in June and July for when August 2 comes”.

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