Lakers monitor three players daily! Doncic wearing protective bandage, Reddick: He was hit on the calf by Bogdan

On December 23rd Beijing time, Lakers star Doncic was diagnosed with a left calf contusion. Head coach Reddick confirmed that Doncic's condition is being observed daily. Reeves and Hachimura are also on daily watch.

During the Lakers' 88-103 defeat against the Clippers, Doncic exited the game early because of the injury. After practice today, his left leg was heavily wrapped in a protective bandage.

This injury occurred when Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic collided with Doncic's left calf using his knee during the game. Doncic did not return to play after halftime. Reddick mentioned that for the tall Doncic, leg injuries like this have happened multiple times.

“This has happened several times already this season,” said Reddick, adding that the team is exploring ways to better protect Doncic’s leg in future matchups.

The Lakers will soon begin their road trip, facing the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, followed by a home Christmas Day game against the Houston Rockets on Friday.

Reddick also revealed that Austin Reeves, who missed nearly three games due to a mild left calf strain, participated in limited practice today and will continue to be monitored daily; similarly, Hachimura, who missed the Clippers game due to a right groin strain, is in the same status.

However, the Lakers received positive news on the injury front: center DeAndre Ayton has returned to team practice after sitting out two games with left elbow soreness.

Ayton explained the cause of his elbow injury, saying it happened during the previous Lakers-Suns game when he was battling Suns center Mark Williams for a rebound.

“Basketball is inherently very physical,” Ayton said. “I wasn’t fully aware of the exact moment, just remember adrenaline was pumping. I was fighting hard for the rebound, and during the positioning, our bodies tangled, which likely caused a slight hyperextension of my elbow. It’s not serious, just some tightness. We’ve done thorough examinations.”