The absence of all three players was a factor in the Lakers losing 131-119 to Utah on Wednesday. They hold a 32-20 record and are in fifth place in the Western Conference, and they're just half a game behind the fourth-place Houston Rockets and three games behind the second-place Memphis Grizzlies.

Doncic, who joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade involving Anthony Davis, is shaking off the rust from a left calf strain that sidelined him for over six weeks. Doncic's recovery was timely, as the Lakers' head coach, JJ Redick, confirmed that the star guard would no longer be on a minutes restriction.

Luka Doncic scored 14 points in limited playing time during his debut with the Lakers, joining their starting lineup alongside LeBron James and immediately getting into the flow during Los Angeles’ 132-113 victory over the Utah Jazz.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be the first team back on the court after the All-Star break. JJ Redick and company will play in the only game in Wednesday night’s NBA slate against the Charlotte Hornets in a game that was rescheduled from January’s fires in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Lakers may hold out LeBron James for the first two games after the All-Star break.  ESPN's Shams Charania shared via X.  The Lakers could be wit