Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic celebrates after scoring and drawing a foul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The Los Angeles Lakers go into Wednesday night’s game in Cleveland knowing their top player will be available. Luka Doncic is expected to play and does not appear on the injury report ahead of the matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.That matters for a Lakers team already short-handed. With injuries thinning the rotation, the offense will again run through Doncic and LeBron James as the Lakers try to keep pace in a crowded Western Conference race.

Luka Doncic’s injury status vs Cleveland Cavaliers (January 28, 2026)

There is no injury designation next to Luka Doncic’s name. He is not listed as questionable or doubtful and is expected to be in the starting lineup when the Lakers face the Cleveland Cavaliers.The Lakers’ injury report focuses elsewhere. Austin Reaves remains out with a calf injury, and rookie Adou Thiero is sidelined with an MCL sprain. With both unavailable, Doncic’s role becomes even larger on both ends of the floor.

Luka Doncic’s heavy minutes, steady production

Doncic enters the game without any new health concerns. Over his last 10 games, he has averaged more than 30 points per night, along with roughly seven to eight rebounds and close to nine assists.His minutes reflect how much the Lakers rely on him. He is regularly playing between 37 and 40 minutes, handling the ball late and creating most of the team’s offense. That workload showed in the previous game against Chicago, when Doncic finished with 46 points, 12 assists, and seven rebounds.

How Cleveland’s injuries shape the matchup (January 28, 2026)

Cleveland will also be missing key players. Evan Mobley is out with a calf injury, and Darius Garland remains sidelined due to a toe issue. Those absences affect both rim protection and backcourt defense.With Cleveland leaning more heavily on Donovan Mitchell to carry the offense, the Lakers are expected to put the ball in Doncic’s hands early and often. Pick-and-roll actions and isolation sets should be a major part of the game plan.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers Expectations and stakes

Betting lines reflect full confidence that Luka Doncic will play, with scoring projections around the mid-30s and rebound numbers set near eight. More than the numbers, this game matters in the standings.Also read: Los Angeles Lakers vs Cleveland Cavaliers injury report: Who’s playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (January 28, 2026)The Los Angeles Lakers are fighting for position in the West, and a road win against a Cleveland team on a strong run would help. For Wednesday night, the picture is simple: Luka Doncic is healthy, available, and central to everything the Lakers plan to do.