The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Toronto Raptors without star guard Luka Dončić on Thursday night in Canada, as he has been ruled out for personal reasons. Dončić and his wife welcomed their second daughter into the world today, prompting fan congratulations across social media. The Lakers, holding a 15-5 record as the Western Conference's second seed, recently lost 125-108 to the Phoenix Suns.
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to play the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night in Toronto, but they will be without their leading scorer, Luka Dončić. According to reports, Dončić is sidelined due to personal reasons following the birth of his second daughter. Lakers All Day Everyday shared on social media: “Just in: Luka and his wife have welcomed their second daughter into the world today! Congrats to the Doncic family 💜💛.”
Fans quickly reacted with well-wishes and lighthearted comments. One user wrote, “Congratulations Luka’s family, another Lakers fan being born today.” Another said, “Congratulations to luka and his wife! 🥳♥️ Stay happy and blessed!” A third noted, “So happy for Luka and Ana Maria 🥹 I can’t wait to hear her name.” Additional responses included predictions of Dončić returning stronger, with one fan joking, “He’s coming back to average 40 😭🔥 Congrats Luka @lukadoncic ❤️.”
Dončić is in his first full season with the Lakers and remains a frontrunner for MVP honors. Through 16 games, he averages 35.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, shooting 47.8% from the field and 34.1% from three-point range. The Lakers have a 3-1 record in games without him this season, showcasing depth led by Austin Reaves, who has averaged 40.0 points, 10.0 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in those contests.
The Lakers enter the matchup after a 125-108 home loss to the Phoenix Suns, which snapped a seven-game winning streak. They hold a 15-5 record and are 8-2 on the road. The Raptors, the Eastern Conference's second seed at 15-7, have won eight of their last 10 games and are 8-2 at home. Following this game, the Lakers travel to face the Boston Celtics on Friday, while the Raptors host the Charlotte Hornets.
Amid the news, trade rumors involving Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo have intensified, with discussions about his future underway, though no trade request has been made. Lakers insiders note challenges in pursuing such a deal due to salary mismatches and limited draft assets.
