Luka Doncic Injury Update: Rob Pelinka and new Lakers superstar give major updates on calf injury

Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka provided a crucial update on Luka Doncic's return amid his recovery from a left calf injury he sustained on Christmas Day in his last game for the Mavericks. Doncic has been touted to return soon. However, there have been no updates on his status.

Pelinka informed reporters on Tuesday during his latest star acquisitions introductory press conference that Doncic is 'day-to-day.' Pelinka didn't give an exact timeline about Doncic's Lakers debut but said he was closing in on a return. The Lakers GM also mentioned that Doncic will play 5-on-5 basketball on Wednesday.

The five-time All-Star, meanwhile, hinted he will be recovering 100% from the injury for the first time, unlike previous instances. Doncic has dealt with calf ailments before but has not taken the appropriate time to heal and recover.

"For the first time, I took my time to get it to heal 100%. Other times, I just wanted to get back on the court and not really be healthy 100%. This time I just took my time, which is a normal amount of time to get back to 100%," Doncic said.

As per insider Marc Stein, the reported date for Doncic's return is Saturday (Feb. 8.) Before getting traded to the Lakers, he was eyeing the chance to play in the Mavericks' game against the Houston Rockets. The Lakers play the Pacers at home that day.

Lakers' Luka Doncic claims he has 'everything to prove' after blockbuster trade

Luka Doncic was just as shocked as anyone about his trade to the Lakers. Several reports suggested the Mavericks were concerned because of his conditioning that he wouldn't be able to deliver for them in the long run with his record $345 million supermax extension fast approaching.

Meanwhile, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison reportedly believes the Mavericks have a better shot at winning a title with Anthony Davis, reiterating that "defense wins championships." Doncic seems to have taken note of the criticism against him over the past few days. The new Lakers superstar is motivated to do well after claiming that he had "everything to prove" upon his trade.

"Obviously, yeah. Win a championship. You don't come here for nothing else except a championship. I have everything to prove."

Winning a title or two in LA would be the ultimate response Doncic can give to his critics and the Mavericks organization for their concerns about him. The Lakers might fall short this year as Doncic may take time to adjust to a midseason trade. LA also lacks the appropriate roster pieces around Doncic to win right away.