Luka Dončić Exits 76ers Game Early Due to Hamstring
Luka Dončić injury Lakers vs 76ers February 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers faced a major injury scare on Thursday night, February 5, 2026, as superstar guard Luka Dončić was forced to exit their 119-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Dončić, the NBA’s leading scorer, departed the contest with 3:03 remaining in the second quarter after being seen clutching the back of his left leg following a double-team and a subsequent turnover. Despite initially attempting to stay in the game, he eventually limped to the locker room and did not return for the second half. The team officially characterized the injury as left leg soreness, but sources indicate that Dončić is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his left hamstring on Friday to determine the severity of the strain.
Visible frustration marked the MVP candidate’s exit, as he was seen kicking the scorer’s table and holding his head in his hands while heading toward the tunnel. Before the injury, Dončić had recorded 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists in 16 minutes of action, though he struggled with five turnovers and an 0-for-4 shooting performance from beyond the arc. The Lakers medical staff, led by head coach JJ Redick, opted to hold him out for the remainder of the game as a precautionary measure. This exit is particularly concerning as it marks the ninth game Dončić has missed or exited early this season due to lower-body ailments, including previous bouts with ankle soreness and leg contusions.
In Dončić’s absence, the Lakers (30-19) relied on a heroic performance from Austin Reaves, who erupted for 35 points in just 25 minutes of play to lead a second-half comeback. LeBron James added 17 points and 10 assists as Los Angeles snapped Philadelphia’s five-game winning streak. The victory came at a vital time for the Lakers, who are currently fighting to maintain their position in the top six of the Western Conference standings. However, the potential loss of Dončić, who averaged 34 points per game in January to earn Western Conference Player of the Month honors, looms large as the team enters a critical stretch leading up to the All-Star break.
The timing of the injury is especially sensitive given the Lakers’ recent efforts to integrate a fully healthy core. Thursday marked only the 10th time this season that Dončić, James, and Reaves were available for the same game. With the Golden State Warriors set to visit the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, February 7, the Lakers’ coaching staff will be monitoring the results of Friday’s imaging closely. If the MRI reveals a significant strain, Dončić could face a multi-week absence, placing the offensive burden back onto James and a recently returned Reaves. For now, the Lakers’ faithful remain in a “wait-and-see” mode as they hope their primary playmaker has avoided a long-term setback.
