In a crucial Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Lakers' star Luka Doncic suffered a back injury late in the second quarter after an awkward fall during a drive to the basket. Despite the injury, Doncic returned in the second half and played through discomfort, logging a total of 39 minutes in the game. The Lakers, facing elimination, were unable to overcome a 10-point halftime deficit, ultimately losing 103-96 and ending their playoff run. Doncic, who missed significant time during the season due to injuries, managed to score 28 points, grab 7 rebounds, and dish out 9 assists, though he struggled with his field goal efficiency. The Lakers' loss marks a disappointing end to a challenging season exacerbated by Doncic's injury setbacks.

Luka Doncic faced a back injury during Game 5 against the Timberwolves after an awkward landing while being fouled by Donte DiVincenzo in the second quarter, which momentarily took him out of the game.

Despite the injury, Doncic returned to play in the second half and contributed significantly, although he was visibly in discomfort, ultimately playing for 39 minutes.

The Lakers were trailing by 10 points at halftime, and despite Doncic’s efforts, they were unable to close the gap, losing 103-96, thus ending their playoff hopes.

Doncic's performance in the game included 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists, but his shooting was inefficient, making only 7 of 18 field goal attempts and 2 of 8 from three-point range.

This season has been challenging for Doncic, who missed 32 games due to various injuries, resulting in the fewest games played in his NBA career so far.

Doncic had only missed three games for the Lakers since his debut in February, highlighting his importance to the team despite ongoing injury issues.

The Lakers' exit from the playoffs reflects the impact of Doncic's limited availability throughout the season and the challenges they faced in overcoming deficits even with his significant presence on the court.

The Lakers are facing elimination on Wednesday night, but the first half did not go Los Angeles' way.

Not only were the Lakers down 10 points to the Timberwolves at halftime, but star Luka Doncic also left the game with a minute to go in the second quarter with an injury. Doncic played 20 minutes in the first two quarters after his 46 minutes on Sunday as Los Angeles faces a 3-1 series deficit.

Doncic, of course, missed 32 games this season with injuries, making his 50 games played the fewest in his NBA career so far. After making his Lakers debut in early February, Doncic missed just three games the rest of the way for Los Angeles.

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Here's the latest on Doncic's injury against Minnesota.

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Luka Doncic injury update

Late in the second quarter, Doncic landed awkwardly while driving to the basket as he was fouled by Donte DiVincenzo. While going to the ground, Doncic grabbed his back and was in some clear pain.

The Lakers star stayed in the game briefly to attempt free throws before leaving the game and heading to the locker room early.

Luka went back to the locker room after this hard foul.

Hope he's okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/jS7qewOTZj

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 1, 2025

Doncic returned to the game in the second half despite being in discomfort. He has played at least 40 minutes in each game so far in these playoffs, topping out at 46 minutes on Sunday in Game 4.

Luka Doncic stats

So far in the game, Doncic got the majority of his points on free throw attempts, as he's struggled from the field. Here's how Doncic fared in the first half of Game 5 against the Timberwolves:

• Minutes: 20
• Points: 12
• Rebounds: 5
• Assists: 4
• FGM/FGA: 2/7
• 3PM/3PA: 0/3
• FTM/FTA: 8/9