Lakers missing Doncic Luka, Deandre Ayton against Trail Blazers due to injury

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Luka Doncic was ruled out of the Los Angeles Lakers' game on Saturday night against the Portland Trail Blazers because of left groin soreness.

Lakers coach JJ Redick said the injury was probably an “accumulation of a longer week.” The Lakers are in the midst of playing five games in seven days.

“More lingering if anything," Redick said about Doncic's injury, "and obviously wanted to be safe. The MRI was good. He's day to day."

Doncic, a five-time All-Star, leads the league in scoring this season with an average of 33.6 points, and also averages 7.7 rebounds and 8.7 assists. He had 39 points in the team's 135-117 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.

Also absent against the Trail Blazers was starting center Deandre Ayton, who had left knee soreness, and Jaxson Hayes, who was unavailable because of left hamstring tendinopathy. Maxi Kleber earned his first start of the season.

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