Luka Doncic’s absence has been a defining factor in how the Los Angeles Lakers have been viewed during their series against the Houston Rockets.

Having led the league in scoring during the regular season with an average of 33.5 points per game, the Slovenian guard is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

However, even while sidelined, Doncic continues to show strong commitment to the team.

According to ESPN journalist David McMenamin, Doncic made a notable gesture in the locker room following the Lakers’ 115-96 defeat.

He told rookie Adou Thiero that he would cover any fine the 21-year-old might receive after being ejected during the fourth quarter.

Thiero was thrown out alongside Aaron Holiday in a controversial officiating decision after the pair were involved in a heated exchange late in the game.

Doncic’s gesture reinforced his presence within the squad despite his injury, maintaining a leadership role during a challenging stretch.

LeBron James also reacted strongly to the incident while speaking to reporters after the game and showed support for Thiero.

“I’m more p––– off about them kicking Adou out. That was uncalled for and it made no sense,” he said in the locker room.

“Think that’s the first time he has ever been thrown out of a game in his life. I don’t think that was warranted.”

His comments added further scrutiny to the referees’ decisions in the game, as they had previously ejected Deandre Ayton in the third quarter.

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