Is Luka Doncic playing tonight against Minnesota Timberwolves? Latest on Lakers star's availability for Game 2 (April 22)

Luka Doncic has been one of the leaders of the Los Angeles Lakers since joining the team in February in one of the biggest trades ever in NBA history. He and LeBron James led Los Angeles to a dominant second half of the season, taking them all the way up to third seed in the Western Conference. The 6-foot-6 guard has been dealing with bumps and bruises all season, though.

The injury will not prevent him from playing in Los Angeles' Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in their first round matchup. Doncic did not appear on the Lakers' injury report for Tuesday evening's game.

Luka Doncic is among the best performers in the playoffs in today's NBA, reaching a new level as soon as the playoffs begin. The 26-year-old has settled in nicely into head coach JJ Redick's system. In 28 regular season games with Los Angeles, Doncic has averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists.

He and the Los Angeles Lakers have a long way to go as they attempt to even their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves at a game apiece.

Doncic has played through injury during the playoffs throughout his career. Last season was no exception; he led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals despite playing with injured knees throughout their run.

Coming into Game 2, the Lakers look to avenge a 22-point Game 1 loss to Anthony Edwards and Co. Winning Game 2 against the Timberwolves is crucial so the Lakers can take some momentum with them to Minnesota as the series shifts there.

What would the Los Angeles Lakers be missing if Luka Doncic doesn't play against the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Luka Doncic is sharing the court with one of the all-time greats in LeBron James, but the young sensation will be relied upon to lead the Los Angeles Lakers through the playoffs. Because of that, JJ Redick could decide to play it safe when it comes to the well-being of Doncic and bench him for a game.

In their Saturday evening Game 1 loss to the Timberwolves, the Lakers fell short, losing 117-95 at Crypto.com Arena. However, Doncic was arguably the best player on the court, with 37 points, eight rebounds and five made threes on 40 minutes of work.

Doncic has become his team's offense, playing point with LeBron James as a secondary playmaker.

Luka Doncic is the Lakers' top scorer since arriving in Los Angeles, but he doesn't have as much pressure on his shoulders this postseason because of LeBron's experience. However, he and the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers will need to bring their A-game if they are going to avoid falling behind two games in the first round of the playoffs.