The reason behind Luka Dončić’s sudden absence from the Los Angeles Lakers’ road trip has finally been revealed.

That is, until LA's MVP candidate and face of the franchise, Luka Dončić, decides to play Santa for the entire Lakers organization. Luka Dončić was traded to Los Angeles last season in one of the most shocking and unnecessarily messy trades of all time, with his hometown Mavericks sending shots at Dončić on the way out.

The Los Angeles Lakers would get Malik Monk and Keon Ellis in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, Jarred Vanderbilt, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2032 second-round pick. Monk is an elite scorer who would take the Lakers to the next level. Ellis has seen his minutes decrease, but he is an elite perimeter defender.

Luka Dončić surprised the entire Lakers organization with premium e-bike gifts. The total price tag shows just how big he went.

Dončić will play for Los Angeles Sunday against the 76ers after rejoining the team in Pennsylvania, according to a Saturday afternoon report from Dan Woike of The Athletic. The 26-year-old traveled to Slovenia for the birth of his second child, which he announced early Saturday morning on Instagram.

Luka Dončić and the Lakers produced a 7-3 record to start the season but can that success continue with ongoing injuries? Here's the latest.

In Los Angeles, the city of stars, it seems a new one is being born every day—literally. His name is Luka. Since Luka Dončić was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in February, a different kind of buzz has begun to spread through Southern California maternity wards and baby name forums alike.

On the floor, Luka Dončić, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura were able to outscore the Spurs by 10 points and cut the lead down to single digits. After the game, Luka talked about how that small-ball unit performed in the final quarter.

This article was originally published on www.si.com as The Sweet Reason Why Luka Dončić Isn't Playing in Lakers–Raptors. Luka Dončić will be absent for the Lakers’ game vs. the Raptors on Thursday for personal reasons. Los Angeles fans, no need to worry—Dončić is not hurt or sick.

NBA superstar Luka Dončić could play in the Los Angeles Lakers-Philadelphia 76ers game on Sunday, December 7. Dončić is currently away from the Lakers for the birth of his second child.

Luka Dončić is cleared to play for the Mavericks' showdown against the Phoenix Suns on December 14, 2025. Despite a thinned rotation, the Lakers are 1