Luka Doncic out against Clippers with back tightness
Carlos Yakimowich
Host · Writer
The Lakers will be without two starters against the Clippers on Wednesday, with Luka Doncic and Ziaire Williams ruled out on the team’s injury report.
Luka Doncic (back tightness) is OUT tonight vs. the Clippers in the #Lakers second night of a back to back.
Ziaire Williams is also OUT. pic.twitter.com/ZvAbB09OaE
— Carlos Yakimowich (@CarlosYakJr) October 28, 2026
Doncic is sidelined with back tightness, while Williams will miss the matchup with left foot soreness. Cameron Carr is also out with a right oblique strain, and Adou Thiero remains unavailable for left knee injury management.
The absences leave Los Angeles shorthanded on the second night of a back-to-back following Tuesday’s 136-129 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Doncic finished with 41 points, five rebounds and nine assists in 37 minutes, but the Lakers suffered their first loss after opening the season with three straight wins.
Without Doncic, the Lakers lose their primary offensive creator and at this point in the season, the NBA's highest scorer.
That means Austin Reaves is set to take on the lead responsibility handling the ball and initiating the offense. Williams’ absence creates another opening in the starting lineup, forcing L.A. to adjust both its backcourt and wing rotation.
The Clippers will also be undermanned with six inactive players, including former Lakers Rui Hachimura and Brandon Ingram.
Wednesday marks the teams’ second meeting in six days. The Lakers won the first matchup 125-117 on Oct. 23.
This time, L.A. will need a different formula to secure another victory over its crosstown opponent.
