Lakers’ Luka Doncic exits blowout loss to Clippers with leg injury

The Lakers had a rough night get worse Saturday.

Star guard Luka Doncic was ruled out at halftime of a 103-88 loss to the Clippers after suffering a left leg contusion in the first half, the team announced.

Doncic entered the night leading the NBA in scoring at a career-high 35.2 points per game, along with 9.1 assists and 8.8 rebounds. But he never found a rhythm against the Clippers, finishing the first half with 12 points on 4-of-13 shooting, including 1-of-6 from three.

He added five rebounds and two assists but also committed four turnovers as the Lakers fell behind 54-39 at the break.

The injury came on a night when Los Angeles was already shorthanded. Austin Reaves (calf), Deandre Ayton (elbow) and Rui Hachimura (groin) were all sidelined.

Dalton Knecht opened the second half in Doncic’s spot, but the Lakers never seriously threatened.

Any missed time for Doncic would be a major concern for a team already walking a thin margin.