Luka Doncic Returns for Warriors Matchup, Lakers Sit Forward Again

Support Local Media - Click to Add LA Sports Report as a Preferred Source on GoogleLos Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is back in the lineup for Friday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Friday, but forward Ziaire Williams will sit as he manages an injury in his foot.Doncic sat out of the Lakers’ game against the Clippers on Wednesday on the second game of a back-to-back, but will be well rested and ready for action in a grudge match against Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who had some choice words about Doncic when speaking to the media following their last matchup on the opening night of the season.“A lot of flopping, a lot of foul baiting, a lot of playing to the ref, interesting first game for sure,” Lendeborg said after his run in with Doncic. “I had a lot of respect for him… But being in there firsthand, just watching all the whining, the complaining, I lost all respect. That was awful. Me getting frustrated, it isn’t about the foul being called, it’s about him complaining the entire game. “…He sucks, he can’t score on me. I said it the whole game.”Their “rivalry” is sure to garner plenty of attention during the matchup, but Doncic proved he is more than capable of handling the Warriors in his last game against them. Doncic had 28 points in the season opener, also logging eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals.On the year, Doncic is averaging 36 points per game with 6.8 rebounds and 8.3 assists as well.Will Ziaire Williams Be Out for an Extended Period?Williams has played in four of the Lakers’ five games so far, missing out on their most recent game against the Clippers with his foot injury.An important piece to the Lakers’ defensive unit, Williams started each of the four games he participated in this season. He’s averaging 11.3 points per game—pace for a career best—as well 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists.The Lakers listed his injury as left foot injury management, so he likely won’t miss too much time despite sitting out each of the last two games. Additionally, the Lakers have Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero listed as out for Friday, though neither player has suited up for the team this season.Despite their injuries, the Lakers have their most important player back in the lineup, and will hope he can lift them to a second win over the Warriors on Friday at 7:00 p.m. PT.The post Luka Doncic Returns for Warriors Matchup, Lakers Sit Forward Again appeared first on LA Sports Report.