Luka Doncic's first three games with the Los Angeles Lakers haven't been amazing, and that's putting it kindly. He returned from a 22-game absence due to a calf strain before the All-Star Break and has not looked like the same Luka Doncic we became accustomed to seeing with the Dallas Mavericks.

While the Lakers will prepare for the matchup against Portland at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, Doncic will be sidelined for the matchup. He has been ruled out of the game as part of the recovery process from a calf injury, per Marc Stein.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick said there won't be any minutes restriction placed on newly acquired superstar Luka Doncic as Los Angeles returns to action one day early.