Luka Doncic injury update: Latest on Lakers leader following scary preseason limping moment

Lakers fans held their breath at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on Monday night. Luka Doncic was seen limping at one point during the preseason opener against the Kings, and the worry spread fast on a roster built around one player. Doncic had not played an official game since April 2. The 27-year-old guard still logged 16 minutes in a 127-103 win and spoke afterward about how his body felt. Coach JJ Redick also weighed in on what Doncic did differently this summer, and the two accounts do not match perfectly.Is Luka Doncic hurt after limping in the Lakers' preseason opener?The post-game coverage does not point to a serious injury. Also, it is unclear what caused the limp, but Doncic still finished with 21 points on 5-of-12 shooting, plus two rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Afterward, Doncic reported feeling great and called the team impressive."I'm really happy to be back," Doncic said after five or six months away. Rest played a role, too. Doncic sat out the playoffs and skipped national team duty, so the season starts with solid health and a fresh mind.Doncic credited wings Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams for the defensive start, and the Lakers forced 27 turnovers, something they had not done since 2000. Rookie Cameron Carr scored 19, Quentin Grimes had 16 and Williams added 13, and the last two made a case for starting spots. Doncic also said the Lakers have plenty of room to improve, especially in the move from defense to offense.What did JJ Redick say about Doncic's shape this season?Lakers coach JJ Redick said Doncic worked hard all summer and arrived at camp in "fantastic shape." According to Redick, Doncic played less live basketball than in past summers and spent that time on cardio and running instead. For years, Doncic was known for playing himself into shape during the season, so a camp arrival in good condition stands out.Doncic described it more simply. "I didn't change much," Doncic said, pointing to extra rest and the break from national team play. Both versions can be true. Less time on court and more running would fit neatly with a summer of extra rest.Last season, Doncic played 64 games, one short of the threshold for season awards, while averaging 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists. With LeBron James gone, the Lakers now build around Doncic, and Redick has made conditioning a theme for the whole roster.The Lakers host the Kings on Thursday, then face the Warriors on Oct. 13 and the Nuggets on Oct. 16. The regular season opens against Golden State on Oct. 21.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.