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.

Although Doncic has been available for Los Angeles over the past two games, both against Utah, the Lakers had given him a minutes restriction, easing him into the comeback process. Between both games, the Slovenian totaled 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 47 minutes of action (23.5 minutes per game).

The Lakers play three games in four days coming out of the All-Star break and their March schedule is challenging as James deals with a lingering foot/ankle issue.

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.

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