Dave McMenaminApr 26, 2025, 03:11 AM ET
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- Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN.
- Lined the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09.
MINNEAPOLIS – Luka Doncic suffered from a abdomen ailment within the 24 hours main as much as the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116-104 Recreation 3 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and was once “vomiting all afternoon” main as much as tipoff, in line with Lakers trainer JJ Redick.
Doncic, who averaged 34 issues, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in the course of the first two video games of the collection, was once restricted to 17 issues on 6-for-16 capturing, seven rebounds, 8 assists and 5 turnovers Friday.
“Clearly, along with his sickness, it affects our workforce,” stated LeBron James, who led L.A. with 38 issues, probably the most in NBA postseason historical past via a participant over age 40. “We perceive what he brings to our workforce and what he is achieved for the reason that acquisition. It unquestionably took a large blow for our workforce.”
Doncic was once experiencing an disillusioned abdomen and chills Thursday, resources advised ESPN. Redick stated it affected Doncic’s sleep Thursday evening. Doncic attended the Lakers shootaround Friday morning, and after a snooze Friday afternoon nonetheless felt off, resources advised ESPN.
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He underwent remedy from the Lakers’ scientific team of workers after the loss, which put the Wolves up 2-1 within the collection, however didn’t discuss to journalists.
After you have off to rapid begins within the first two video games of the collection, averaging 16 issues within the first quarter, it was once transparent Friday that Doncic was once restricted, scoring simply two issues on 1-for-6 capturing (0-for-3 on 3-pointers) within the opening body.
In the second one quarter, Doncic pulled the hood on his warmup jacket tightly over his head at the bench after he was once subbed out.
Lakers ahead Dorian Finney-Smith stated he doubted Doncic would be capable to proceed enjoying after halftime.
“I did not suppose he was once going to come back out [for the] 2nd part,” Finney-Smith stated. “Simply because how he sounded. His frame language. How he seemed. He seemed somewhat light these days. He most likely must hydrate some extra. However like I stated, Luka’s tricky.”
Doncic stayed within the recreation, alternatively, contributing 9 issues on 3-for-7 capturing, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in the second one part. He additionally dedicated 3 turnovers, together with one when Wolves heart Rudy Gobert stole the ball from him at the perimeter in just about the precise spot at the courtroom that Doncic hit a game-winning 3 towards him in ultimate yr’s Western Convention finals.
“He gave it the entirety he had this night and performed 39, 40 mins, did the entirety he may just do to assist us win,” Lakers guard Austin Reaves, who had 20 issues, seven rebounds, 4 assists and 4 turnovers. “We had a possibility. It was once a one-possession recreation with 3 mins left, and yeah, we simply could not get it achieved.”
The Wolves closed on a 13-1 run to tug away with the victory.
Rather than Doncic’s particular person struggles, L.A. failed to offer protection to the ball, committing 19 turnovers leading to 28 issues for Minnesota.
“Within the postseason, clearly you are now not going to play a great recreation,” James stated. “However the extra that you’re making errors on best of errors, on best of errors — issues that may be managed — then it isn’t going to provide you with a possibility to be in the most productive imaginable likelihood to win.”
There’s a fast turnaround for Recreation 4, with a 2:30 p.m. native time tip Sunday.
“Optimistically, no matter’s happening, he is feeling higher on Sunday,” Redick stated. “I imply, I will be able to’t [diagnose him]. I am not a physician.”
