Luka Doncic and LeBron James agree on the most important factor for the Lakers going forward

Health will play a major role in the Lakers' success in the second half of the season, according to the two NBA superstars.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Luka Doncic and LeBron James both emphasized that the Lakers' health will be the key factor in determining their success for the remainder of the season. Doncic, who is dealing with a left hamstring strain, and James, who has missed time due to injuries, agreed that the team's ability to stay healthy will be crucial as they make a push towards the playoffs in the competitive Western Conference.

Why it matters

The Lakers have struggled with injuries all season, with Doncic, James, and other key players missing significant time. If the team can get healthy and have their top players on the court together, they have the potential to make a deep playoff run. However, their postseason aspirations will hinge on their ability to stay healthy down the stretch.

The details

Doncic, the leading All-Star vote-getter, was limited to just five minutes in the All-Star Game due to his left hamstring strain. He missed the previous four games before the break and is uncertain if he will be able to play in the Lakers' first game back on Friday against the Clippers. James has also dealt with injuries, missing the first 14 games of the season with sciatica and sitting out a game due to left foot arthritis. Austin Reaves missed 19 straight games with a left calf strain. The Lakers are 33-21 and in fifth place in the West, just a half-game behind the fourth-place Houston Rockets.

  • Doncic missed the previous four games with the left hamstring injury.
  • The Lakers' first game after the All-Star break is Friday at Crypto.com Arena against the Clippers.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks star is leading the NBA in scoring (32.8 points per game) and is third in assists (8.6 per game).

LeBron James

The Lakers' veteran forward is averaging 22.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game in his 23rd NBA season.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' second-year guard is averaging career-best numbers of 25.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game.

Deandre Ayton

The Lakers' recent acquisition has missed the previous two games before the All-Star break with a right knee soreness injury.

Victor Wembanyama

The 7-foot-4 San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation set the tone with his aggressive play and competitive attitude in the new All-Star Game format.

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What they’re saying

“Just probably health. We've been dealing with injuries a lot. So, I would say health.”

— Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Times)

“Most important for our ballclub right now is health. I can't state it any clearer. I mean, not quite sure how many games we've had where we had a full roster. We're over the halfway point and it's not been many games.”

— LeBron James (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.