A view of a basketball court from above
A view of a basketball court from above Kyle Richards/Unsplash

Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers' $165 million (£121.7 million) star, gave fans and teammates a scare after leaving Slovenia's EuroBasket exhibition against Latvia on Saturday.

The 26-year-old guard exited in the second half following a heavy collision with a teammate, sparking fears of a serious injury just weeks before the NBA season begins.

According to Sports Illustrated, Dončić was diagnosed with a right knee contusion, but doctors later confirmed that the injury is not considered serious.

EuroBasket Incident and Injury Details

The collision happened when a Slovenian teammate was pushed into Dončić, forcing him to leave the court temporarily.

Yahoo Sports reported that the contact impacted Dončić's right knee, leading to immediate concern on the bench. Veteran NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed the diagnosis as a knee contusion.

Before the scare, Dončić was putting on a dominant display, racking up 26 points and multiple assists. He was later seen walking without a limp, reassuring both Slovenian and Lakers fans that the damage was not long-term.

Latest Injury Update and Recovery Outlook

Medical staff said there were no signs of structural damage, and Dončić himself was reportedly eager to return to the game. Team doctors advised rest, but he will remain with Slovenia for EuroBasket competition. His participation in upcoming friendlies against Great Britain and Serbia could be limited as a precaution.

With Lakers training camp set to open in September, the timing of the injury has raised concerns, even if the outlook is positive. Dončić is expected to recover quickly, but the franchise is expected to monitor his workload closely to avoid setbacks.

Impact on the Lakers' $165 Million Superstar

Dončić signed a three-year, $165 million extension with the Lakers earlier this summer after a blockbuster February trade from the Dallas Mavericks. The deal cemented him as the face of the franchise through 2028, replacing Anthony Davis in a three-team agreement that also involved the Utah Jazz.

Silver Screen and Roll noted that even a minor knock carries big implications for the Lakers, given Dončić's pivotal role in their championship push. His recovery will be handled with caution to ensure he is fully fit for training camp.

Context: The Trade and the Stakes

The February 2025 trade that landed Dončić was one of the most dramatic in NBA history, with two All-NBA players switched mid-season. It signalled the Lakers' all-in bet on Dončić as their franchise leader.

This latest injury scare may not sideline him for long, but it highlights the fragile balance on which Los Angeles' title hopes rest. Even a minor contusion to Dončić becomes front-page news when so much of the Lakers' future is built around him.

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