Luka Doncic injury update: Los Angeles Lakers star suffers groin problem on opening night

Luka Doncic looked sharp despite the Los Angeles Lakers losing their season-opener to the Golden State Warriors but left carrying an injury concern.

Doncic finished with 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists in a game-high 41 minutes as the Lakers went down 119-109 to the Warriors. It emerged afterwards, however, that he sustained a groin injury that requires further assessment.

“It’s probably nothing,” Doncic said after lengthy postgame treatment. “Just felt it a little bit because my hip went [the opposite] way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing.”

Tough break for slimmed-down Doncic

Any kind of significant setback for the Slovenian would be devastating after he spent the offseason working on a rigorous fitness regime in Croatia.

It would also represent a major blow for the Lakers, who were second best against the Warriors despite home-court advantage.

The game got away from them in a third quarter in which they were outscored 35-25, continuing a theme.

“The trend I see is that we continue to be a terrible third-quarter team,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “That was last year. That was the preseason. Gotta rethink some things and it’s, you know, a two-way thing with the guys. What do they need at halftime to make sure they’re ready to play? They’re not ready to play to start the third quarter.”

Gren hails brilliant Butler

Jimmy Butler starred for the Warriors with 31 points, earning the praise of Draymond Green.

“He’s been a great leader since the day he showed up,” Green said. “He encourages teammates, tells guys what he sees, and makes corrections. He’s a constant reminder not to sulk or drop your shoulders.”