Why is Luka Dončić missing the Lakers game in Toronto on Thursday?

RC Nazemi

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Why is Luka Dončić missing the Lakers game in Toronto on Thursday? image

The Los Angeles Lakers, despite losing an embarrassing one against the Phoenix Suns on Monday, have looked fantastic this season. JJ Redick looks like a possible coach of the year, and Austin Reaves has exploded onto the scene. 

More: Austin Reaves is averaging more points than who?

The main driving force, however, of the Lakers' dominance we’ve seen has been the exceptional, and frankly, MVP-caliber play we’ve seen from Luka Dončić. 

Luka is currently averaging the most PPG in the NBA (35.3) and the 4th most APG (8.9). It took him an offseason to get fully comfortable in LA, and now that he is, the league is in trouble. 

He’s been healthy and in great shape all year so far, only missing four games to this point. When the Lakers take off abroad to face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, Dončić will not be in attendance. 

The Lakers didn’t release any information regarding any injuries Dončić may have sustained, and listed him out for “personal reasons”. We just found out why he won’t be with the team. 

Luka Dončić is currently in Slovenia

At first glance, that would seem concerning. Is he struggling mentally and needing to connect with his roots? Is he forgoing the NBA entirely at the peak of his powers to dominate Slovenian basketball leagues?

The second one would be wild, but no. 

In a much lighter and happier bit of news, he is technically heading back for a family emergency, but everyone in his family is just fine. Luka is about to become a father to his second child. 

A massive congratulations to the Dončić family, and we at AllSportsPeople wish his family nothing but joy in this new season of life! Hopefully, he’s as good at changing diapers as he is at teasing Austin Reaves. 

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