Star guard Luka Dončić is reportedly on course to participate in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game, despite a recent left hamstring strain. This injury caused him to miss his team's last four games leading up to the break. Dončić, who has been selected as a starter and received the most votes, is expected to play in a limited capacity, potentially easing back into action. His participation marks his sixth career All-Star appearance.
Hamstring Injury Precedes All-Star Selection
Dončić has been dealing with a left hamstring strain that sidelined him for four consecutive games for the Los Angeles Lakers. His last absence was on Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks. Despite these missed games, he was a leading vote-getter and earned a starting position for the All-Star Game, his sixth selection. This season, Dončić has played in 41 or 42 games for the Lakers, averaging 32.8 points, 8.6 assists, and between 7.8 and 7.9 rebounds per contest.
Read More: NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 Ends in Los Angeles
Indicative Signs Point Towards Participation
Multiple sources indicate Dončić is expected to play in the All-Star Game.
Strong Pregame Workout: NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Friday that Dončić was "on course" to play in the All-Star Game after a successful pregame workout on Thursday. League sources confirmed this update to @TheSteinLine.
Player's Intent: Dončić himself has expressed a desire to play, stating, "I’ve been working to get back. … I think I will play a little bit.” He also commented, "I don’t think it’s that big of a deal, to be honest — the All-Star Game, All-Star weekend. I’m a six-time All-Star now, and not everybody can say they’re an All-Star."
Limited Minutes Anticipated: Reports suggest Dončić will be under a minutes restriction. His participation is viewed as a way to ease him back into play, though he is not expected to log significant minutes due to the injury. He is slated to play in the first game on Sunday.
Context of the All-Star Break
The Lakers were in fifth place in the Western Conference as they approached the All-Star break. They have 28 regular-season games remaining after the break, with the NBA playoffs scheduled to begin on April 18. Dončić's absence during his team's recent games saw the Lakers win only two of those contests. The All-Star Game is scheduled to be played at the Intuit Dome.
Read More: Keshad Johnson Wins 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest
Conflicting Considerations
While Dončić's participation seems likely, the decision involves balancing his desire to play against the team's need to manage his health.
Team Protection: There are indications that the Lakers' staff and coaching may wish to delay Dončić's return until after the All-Star break. However, Dončić appears to have a different plan.
Historical Precedent: The situation is compared to Damian Lillard's decision to compete in the 3-point Contest despite a torn Achilles, suggesting a willingness among some players to push through injuries for marquee events.
Expert Insight
"Luka Dončić is indeed on course to play for a short stint in Sunday’s All-Star Game after a strong pregame workout Thursday, league sources tell @TheSteinLine."— Marc Stein, NBA Insider
This report, originating from Marc Stein, offers a strong indication of Dončić's imminent participation, based on insider information and a positive workout assessment.
Summary of Findings
Luka Dončić, despite a hamstring strain that caused him to miss the Los Angeles Lakers' last four games, is widely expected to play in the 2026 NBA All-Star Game. He has been selected as a starter and was the leading vote-getter. While his participation will be limited due to the injury, his presence is anticipated. This marks his sixth All-Star selection.
Read More: Boston Celtics: Great Games and Players from History
Primary Source: Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) via Sporting News, SI.com, and The USAToday Network.
Supporting Sources: Basketnews.com, LakersNation.com, Los Angeles Times, EssentiallySports.com.
Key Sources and Context
Sporting News: Published 52 minutes ago. Discusses Dončić's hamstring strain, his expectation to play "a little bit," and his season averages. (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/los-angeles-lakers/news/luka-doncic-playing-2026-nba-all-star-game-game-status-lakers-star/e5258aaff4c7027b279f9e55)
Basketnews.com: Published 1 day ago. Details the hamstring issues, missed games, averages, and limited participation status, noting he will only play in the first game of Sunday's program. (https://basketnews.com/news-241222-will-luka-doncic-play-at-the-2026-all-star-game.html)
SI.com (Sports Illustrated): Published 2 days ago. Features NBA insider Marc Stein's update on Dončić being "On Course" to play after a strong pregame workout, highlighting the uncertainty due to the hamstring injury. (https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/onsi/injuries/major-development-in-luka-doncic-s-all-star-game-status-01khcedhjmzb)
LakersNation.com: Published 2 days ago. Also reports Marc Stein's insight that Dončić is "on course" to play for a short stint, mentioning his absence in the Lakers' win against the Mavericks. (https://lakersnation.com/lakers-rumors-luka-doncic-expected-to-play-in-2026-nba-all-star-game/)
Los Angeles Times: Published 1 hour ago. States Dončić plans to play in the All-Star Game despite the hamstring strain and discusses his status as a six-time All-Star and leading vote-getter. (https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2026-02-14/luka-doncic-hopefull-he-will-play-nba-all-star-game)
The USAToday Network (Sports): Published 2 days ago. Echoes the report from insider Marc Stein that Dončić is "on course" to play, noting his sixth All-Star selection and missed games. (https://lebronwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2026/02/13/insider-luka-doncic-on-course-to-play-in-nba-all-star-game/88671595007/)
EssentiallySports.com: Published 2 days ago. Contrasts potential medical/coaching advice with Dončić's intent to play, mentioning his top vote-getter status and injury scare creating scrutiny. (https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-will-luka-doncic-play-in-nba-all-star-game-jj-redick-shares-strange-response/)
