The Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a five-game stretch over seven days. Heading into Friday’s contest against the Golden State Warriors, it is Game No. 3.
Lakers superstar Luka Doncic missed his first game of the 2026-27 season, sitting out of Wednesday’s win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Heading into Friday, the 27-year-old will be available to play.
Doncic was not listed on the Lakers’ injury report against the Warriors, according to the NBA’s official injury report. After missing one game due to back tightness, he will return to the lineup.
Center Walker Kessler will also be available after appearing on the report with a left finger splint. Cameron Carr (oblique), Adou Thiero (knee), and Ziaire Williams (foot) are listed as out.
Luka Doncic’s Impressive Start to 2026-27
It’s safe to say that the Lakers are in good hands after LeBron James moved on from the franchise this past offseason. Luka Doncic has stepped into the No. 1 option role and has done nothing but produce.
Through his first four games of the season, Doncic is leading the league in points per game (36.0), along with 6.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists, on 48.4/39.6/87.5 shooting splits.
Before missing Wednesday’s contest due to back tightness, Doncic put up 52 points in a win over the Utah Jazz and 41 points in the Lakers’ first loss of the season to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Doncic’s back injury does not appear to be something to worry about long-term. Los Angeles is being cautious with their superstar as they play through a stretch of five games in seven days, says The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
Last season’s scoring champion will continue to make his case for MVP this season as the Lakers take on the Golden State Warriors for the second time.
Lakers’ First Game Since Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg Comments
It is the second matchup between the Lakers and Warriors this season, but the first since Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg made controversial comments towards Luka Doncic.
After Los Angeles beat the Golden State on opening night, Lendeborg said he “lost all respect” for Doncic.
“I had a lot of respect for him… But being in there first hand, watching all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect for him,” Lendeborg said.
“I had a lot of respect for him … but being in there first hand, watching all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect for him.”
(🎥 via @anthonyVslater)
A week later, Lendeborg spoke to reporters about how he feels on their upcoming matchup on Friday, saying he is “absolutely” looking forward to the Lakers vs. Warriors game.
“I’ll talk about that on Friday,” he added.
“Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes, I am. I’ll talk about that on Friday.”
(Via @anthonyVslater )
This time, the Warriors will have the fans on their side as they host the Lakers. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. PDT.
Lakers Provide Luka Doncic Injury Status Update vs. Warriors