Luka Doncic Lakers career and recent form

Luka Doncic is a Slovenian forward for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. He missed the Lakers' 103-87 win over the Clippers on Wednesday due to back tightness, according to Apex Sports News.

Luka Dončić missed the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday due to back tightness. Los Angeles won 103-87.

Dončić's background and trade

Luka Dončić is a Slovenian professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association. He is a Rookie of the Year, six-time NBA All-Star, six-time All-NBA First Team member and a two-time NBA Scoring Champion. He also represents the Slovenian national team.

Nicknamed “Luka Magic,” he is broadly regarded as one of the greatest European players of all time.

Dončić was traded from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers on the night of February 1–2, 2025, in a three-team deal facilitated by the Utah Jazz that sent Anthony Davis to Dallas.

It was the first time in NBA history that two reigning All-NBA Team players were traded for each other midseason.

The trade is considered one of the most unexpected and lopsided trades in NBA history, even though the Mavericks still received an All-NBA player, as Dončić was perceived as one of the best players in his generation and was almost six years younger than Davis.

Previously considered directionless, the Lakers built a contending team around Dončić. Conversely, the Mavericks' title window was effectively closed by the trade, injury to Kyrie Irving, and recurring injury problems with Davis. The Mavericks subsequently transitioned to rebuild around first overall draft pick Cooper Flagg.

What happens next

The Lakers will continue their season without a confirmed return date for Dončić. Apex Sports News did not state when he might be back from back tightness.