The Lakers may be at near full strength in terms of availability, they are not at 100%. As reported by Lisa Salters, sideline reporter for ESPN, Luka Dončić is reportedly dealing with a stomach bug.

Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet also confirmed the report during the first quarter.

Lisa Salters reported on our ESPN broadcast that Luka Doncic is dealing with a stomach bug tonight.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 26, 2025

Luka Doncic has been dealing with an upset stomach today, lasting up through pregame. Low energy, but he wanted to compete, and has 2 points and 5 assists in 8 minutes thus far.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 26, 2025

During the interview between quarters, head coach JJ Redick also confirmed that Luka was battling illness and had been doing so for the last 24 hours.

Just by looking at him, it’s clear to see Luka doesn’t feel great. While it had impacted his scoring early on, he did have five assists during the first quarter, so he was still producing.

Luka then did not start in the second half with Gabe Vincent taking his place. He would come out of the locker room in the opening minute of the third quarter and checked into the game after 49 seconds.

Obviously, it’s something that’s going to be worth monitoring through Game 3 but also moving forward. The quick turnaround between Game 3 and Game 4 — the two teams are scheduled to play again on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. PT — could mean a lingering issue impacts him for that game as well. Depending on what the issue is, it could spread to other members of the Lakers, but that is venturing into worst-case scenarios, too.

Hopefully, this becomes something of a memorable story of Luka producing through a stomach bug and not something that could cost the Lakers a game in what is going to be a tight series.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.