Luka Doncic Ruled Out Against Clippers With Back Tightness After 41-Point Night

The Los Angeles Lakers will be without Luka Doncic for Wednesday's meeting with the LA Clippers after the superstar was ruled out with back tightness. Doncic, who leads the league in scoring at 36 points per game, was outstanding in Tuesday's 136-129 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, finishing with 41 points, nine assists and five rebounds. That followed a 52-point, 10-assist performance in Sunday's win over Utah, making his absence a major blow on the second night of a back-to-back. The Lakers will also miss Ziaire Williams with left foot soreness, while Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero remain sidelined. The Clippers have their own lengthy absence list, including Bradley Beal, Rui Hachimura and Brandon Ingram. The Lakers beat the Clippers 125-117 when the sides last met on October 23, but they will now have to find a way to win the rematch without the player carrying their offence. Coach JJ Redick was expected to address Doncic's condition before tip-off, with the Lakers hoping the tightness is a short-term issue rather than the start of a longer layoff.