LA Lakers Injury Update: Luka Doncic Absence Dampens Buzz, Concern on Marcus Smart Lingers Ahead of Raptors Game (Dec. 4)

NBA: Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Lakers - Source: Imagn
LA Lakers Injury Update: Luka Doncic Absence Dampens Buzz, Concern on Marcus Smart Lingers Ahead of Raptors Game (Dec. 4). (Image Source: Imagn)

The LA Lakers will be without their superstar Luka Doncic for the game against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. The Slovenian point guard is listed as out on the team's injury report owing to personal reasons. Marcus Smart joined the former Dallas Mavericks standout on the list, with both players ruled out.

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The Lakers are on a three-game road trip starting Thursday, while they face the Boston Celtics on the back end of a back-to-back on Friday. Doncic hasn't traveled with the team as he flew to Slovenia to be with his fiancee Anamaria Goltes for the birth of their second child.

There’s still no clarity on when Doncic will rejoin the team, casting serious doubt over his availability for the Celtics matchup as well. His absence is a huge blow, especially on offense, as he leads the league in scoring with 35.3 points per game. Having said that, the Lakers have enough firepower to hold the ship in their superstar's absence.

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The Lakers would need more offensive production from LeBron James, who has played third fiddle behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The four-time league MVP will certainly control the game more than he has this season.

Meanwhile, Marcus Smart will miss his fourth consecutive game with lower back injury management. The former Defensive Player of the Year last played on Nov. 25 in the Lakers' win over their cross-town rivals, the LA Clippers.

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How to watch LA Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors?

The LA Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors game will take place on Thursday at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. The game will tip off at 7:30 p.m. EST (4:30 p.m. PT).

The Lakers vs. Raptors game will air on Spectrum SportsNet LA (local) and Sportsnet (local). For those looking to stream the action live, they can do so on the NBA League Pass and Fubo TV app and website (regional restrictions may apply).

Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Atishay Jain
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