Luka Doncic Injury Update: Massive development in ex-Mavericks superstar's status as Lakers debut lingers

The Dallas Mavericks recently traded Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers in a blockbuster three-team deal that sent shockwaves through the NBA community. Doncic has not played since the Mavericks’ Christmas Day matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He suffered a left calf strain and has been recovering ever since.

However, the Slovenian superstar is expected to return soon and make his highly anticipated debut for the Lakers. In a major update, Doncic’s father Sasa Doncic revealed that the five-time All-Star has almost fully recovered, hinting that his comeback is just around the corner.

"Luka's injury is basically gone," Sasa told Slovenia's sports network, Arena. "He's already training, everything is going as planned and everything is fine"

On Saturday, following Luka Doncic's trade to the Lakers, NBA insider John Gambadoro provided an update on the superstar’s injury status. According to his report, Doncic was initially expected to return on February 8, when the Mavericks were set to host the Houston Rockets.

Based on both Doncic’s father’s statement and Gambadoro’s report, it appears likely that the 6-foot-6 guard could make his highly anticipated Lakers debut on February 8, when the Purple and Gold take on the Indiana Pacers at home. Doncic arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday night, with his official introduction scheduled for Tuesday.

Luka Doncic's message to Lakers fans

Luka Doncic’s first message to Lakers fans came via X (formerly Twitter). After the Purple and Gold posted about his arrival in Los Angeles, the former Mavericks superstar responded with a heartfelt message.

"Grateful for this amazing opportunity," Doncic wrote. "Basketball means everything to me, and no matter where I play the game, I’ll do so with the same joy, passion and goal - to win championships."

The former NBA scoring champion is poised to be the face of the Lakers for years to come. At just 25 years old, Doncic has yet to reach his prime but has already earned five First-Team All-NBA selections during his six-and-a-half seasons with the Mavericks.