For years, basketball fans have lamented the fact that the NBA All-Star Game has lacked any real competitiveness or spark. This year, the league has tried to create some excitement surrounding its midseason classic by instituting a new “United States versus the World” format.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers, the leading vote-getter among Western Conference players, was chosen to be one of the starters for the “World” team. But his status for the game has been in doubt due to a hamstring strain he suffered just over a week ago.
While he has missed each of the Lakers’ last four games, he said that he will play “a little bit” on Sunday in the All-Star game.
Luka Doncic says he is feeling “pretty good” physically and will play “a little bit” in the All-Star Game.
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) February 14, 2026
Assuming the Slovenian native does play, it will be his sixth appearance in an NBA All-Star Game. On the season, he’s averaging 32.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.6 assists and 1.5 steals a game and is leading everyone in points, free throw attempts and free throw makes per game.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said on Thursday that Doncic “should be good to go” for the team’s next game on Friday, Feb. 20 versus the Los Angeles Clippers.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Luka Doncic gives an update on his status for the NBA All-Star Game