Luka Dončić dealt with stomach bug during Game 3 vs. Wolves

While he played in Game 3 against the Wolves, Luka Dončić did so while battling a stomach bug.

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, during Friday’s Game 3 against the Wolves, Luka Dončić dealt with a stomach bug.

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.

Luka 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.

After the game, Redick provided some more details, stating that Luka had been sick for the last 24 hours. He did not sleep well on Thursday night and was vomiting during the day on Friday.

Luka did not speak to the media postgame and wasn’t even at his locker when media entered the locker room as he received treatment. Even his teammates were surprised he was able to play the game.

The concern now is whether Luka will be ready to go on Sunday. Even by normal standards in the NBA, it’s a quick turnaround for Game 4, which will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Sunday afternoon.

That means Luka will have about 36-40 hours to rest up and recuperate. Without knowing the details of what the illness was, that’s a tall ask for him — or any person, really — to get back to full health that quickly.

It was clear during Friday’s game, though, that Luka was far from 100%. He attempted to soldier on, which is admirable, but the Lakers need more than him being available in Game 4 on Sunday, which is more or less a must-win for the Lakers after dropping Game 3.

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