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Why is Luka Doncic not playing tonight, Dec. 4, for Lakers vs Raptors in Toronto?

The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Toronto Raptors on the road tonight, in a contest where NBA star Luka Doncic will not be available.

Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during an NBA game.
© Getty ImagesLuka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during an NBA game.

The Los Angeles Lakers are visiting the Toronto Raptors tonight at the Scotiabank Arena for regular season NBA action. The primary challenge for the visiting team will be attempting to secure a road victory without Luka Doncic, arguably the best player on the team currently.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Lakers have ruled out Luka Doncic for tonight’s game in Canada due to personal reasons. Reports indicate that the former Mavericks star is currently in Slovenia for the birth of his second child with his fiancée, Anamaria Goltes.

This news is undoubtedly a disappointment for all Canadian fans who were hoping to see Doncic play tonight, as this would be the Slovenian’s only scheduled appearance in the country this season.

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Despite the absence of Doncic, both LeBron James and Austin Reaves will be present and will be tasked with leading the Lakers tonight in search of a victory after the Suns recently snapped their seven-game winning streak.

Luka Doncic in action during Lakers’ last game against the SUns. (Getty Images)

Luka Doncic in action during Lakers’ last game against the SUns. (Getty Images)

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The Lakers’ star is having an incredible season so far in his first full year with the Los Angeles franchise, establishing himself as the undisputed leader of the team. He currently leads the NBA in scoring, averaging 36.4 points per game, alongside 8.9 rebounds, 8.9 assists, and 1.6 steals in 16 games this season.

When could Doncic be back?

Luka Doncic gets real about the defensive improvement the Lakers have shown

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There is no official information yet regarding when Doncic might return to the court, but the Lakers are currently on a three-game road trip, including a back-to-back set against the Celtics. He is expected to miss that game as well.

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The Lakers will conclude their road trip in Philadelphia when they face the 76ers on Sunday, December 7th, and he is expected to be present at the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, December 11th, to face the Spurs in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

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