LeBron James, Luka Doncic Questionable for Tuesday’s Clash Against Thunder: What We Know
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night at Paycom Center in a matchup with playoff implications on the line. However, two of the game’s biggest stars—LeBron James and Luka Doncic—are listed as questionable due to groin injuries, casting uncertainty over their availability.
James is managing a left groin strain, while Doncic is dealing with a right groin strain. Both injuries were reported following the Lakers’ dominant 126-99 win over the Thunder on Sunday. Despite the ailments, both players played significant minutes in that game—James logged 34 minutes and recorded 19 points, three rebounds, and seven assists, while Doncic notched 30 points, seven boards, and six assists in 37 minutes.
James has already missed time this season with a similar groin issue, sitting out seven games in early March. Doncic, meanwhile, has battled a series of minor injuries throughout the season as he continues to regain rhythm following an extended absence earlier in the year.
The “questionable” designation suggests that both superstars are still in the mix to play, though the Lakers may lean toward caution with the postseason fast approaching. Los Angeles currently holds a 1.5-game lead over the Denver Nuggets for the Western Conference’s third seed, with only four games remaining in the regular season.
After Tuesday’s rematch with the Thunder, the Lakers will close their regular season with games against the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazers. Securing the third seed could be crucial for playoff matchups, so every win counts.
On the other side, the Thunder have already clinched the top seed in the Western Conference and hold a two-game edge over the Cleveland Cavaliers for the best record in the NBA. Despite Sunday’s loss, which marked Oklahoma City’s worst defeat of the season and only their second back-to-back loss stretch in recent months, they remain one of the league’s most formidable teams.
In addition to James and Doncic, the Lakers’ injury report features Austin Reaves, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent—all of whom are also questionable. Reaves and Finney-Smith are nursing ankle injuries, while Vincent is working through a left knee issue.
With both teams eyeing the postseason, Tuesday’s matchup may be a strategic one—balancing the need for momentum and seeding with preserving health. Whether James and Doncic suit up remains to be seen, but all eyes will be on the injury reports leading up to tipoff.
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