On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will get a chance to start a new winning streak following their recent home loss to the Phoenix Suns.
Los Angeles will go on the road to face the 15-7 Toronto Raptors, but unfortunately, Luka Doncic won’t be available for the franchise.
Why Luka Doncic isn’t playing for the Lakers tonight vs. The Lakers with personal news
Doncic is listed as out on the franchise’s official injury report due to personal reasons.
According to the X/Twitter account ‘Lakers Lead, ’ Doncic is expected to welcome his second child with his wife, making him inactive for Los Angeles on Thursday night.
Fortunately for the Lakers, Austin Reaves has already proven he can play elite offensive basketball without Doncic by his side on the perimeter.
The Oklahoma product notched 28 points in the Doncic-less Lakers’ thrilling 116-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 29, including the clutch game-winning basket in the final seconds.
Similarly, Reaves poured in 51 points in the Los Angeles’ 127-120 in an Oct. 26 win over the Sacramento Kings without Doncic, showing he isn’t afraid to step up as a No. 1 scoring option when necessary.
While LeBron James will do his part to assist Reaves in the Lakers’ upcoming clash, Reaves will be tasked with assuming most of the organization’s offensive responsibilities against the surging Raptors.
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