Luka Doncic Injury Update: Major development in Mavericks superstar's status as he misses game vs. LeBron James and Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks squared off against the LA Lakers on Tuesday without their superstar Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined due to injury. Doncic sustained a left calf strain during the Mavericks' Christmas Day game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and has missed seven consecutive games.

The Slovenian superstar is expected to be out for at least another month as he recovers from the painful injury. However, there was a positive sign for Mavericks fans before Tuesday’s game, as the five-time All-Star appeared in good spirits.

In a moment that delighted fans, Doncic was chatting with former teammate Dorian Finney-Smith. More notably, the superstar point guard was walking and standing on his own, a significant improvement compared to his last public appearance at a Mavericks game.

Previously, Doncic arrived at Dallas' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers using a scooter, unable to put any weight on his left foot. He was even seen leaving the court on the scooter.

This time, Doncic was spotted standing upright, bearing weight on his left foot and without the scooter, signaling progress in his rehabilitation.

Fans react to Luka Doncic update

Dallas Mavericks fans were thrilled to see Luka Doncic showing signs of progress, ditching the scooter and appearing in high spirits despite his injury.

"Luka Doncic has ditched the scooter that threw Mavericks fans into a panic last week, and has been walking at tonight’s game as he deals with the calf strain that he suffered on Christmas Day. Seems to be in good spirits as he jokes with members of the coaching staff," Dallas reporter Noah Weber tweeted.

"U guys don’t know how relieved this clip made me seeing Luka actually walk around," a fan commented.

"Luka standing without a scooter. He’s BACK EARLY," a fan wrote.

"He doesn’t look as gimpy as the other day," wrote another user.

Doncic, meanwhile, has already missed 15 games this season and is slated to miss a significant number of more games before he returns.