After leading the Lakers to three-straight wins at home, Luka Doncic took some much-needed rest on Thursday as the Bucks visited town. Reason? Nursing a right ankle sprain that has been bothering him for quite some time. While Doncic’s absence left the entire Laker Nation disappointed, one family was particularly heartbroken. That’s because they had flown all the way from Slovenia to witness Luka Magic in person.

Adding to their distress, several other key players, including LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Austin Reaves were sidelined with injury. Lakers was practically playing with their B Team. What hurt the Slovenian family even more was that they had paid 1000 Euros for tickets. Expressing disappointment via a tweet, the fan with username Patrik Zrnko made a special request to the Lakers, “We came all the way from Slovenia, bought tickets for 1000€ and Luka, LeBron, Austin, Rui, Vando didn’t play @Lakers could you provide us with something for the next game against Bulls?”

Sure enough, the fan tagged all the stars who did not play against the Bucks. Surprisingly, their prayer was answered – By Luka Doncic of course. Soon after the initial tweet, Patrik posted an update, “I DONT HAVE A WORDS RIGHT NOW. LUKA SAW OUR TWEET AND SEND ME 3 TICKETS. @LD77Foundation THANK YOU VERY MUCH. AND THANK U ALL LAKERS FANS FOR YOUR RETWEETS AND LOVE!!”

Yes, the Slovenian star hooked up his fellow countrymen with tickets to tonight’s Bulls game. A wholesome gesture indeed. Not only does this act show Luka’s big heart, but it also hints that he will return to the lineup tonight. Well, Doncic has been listed as probable and is expected to suit up. Moreover, the gesture might also have confirmed LeBron’s return.

JJ Redick’s ‘hopefulness’ for LeBron James could turn into surety after Luka Doncic’s gesture

Now that Doncic has gifted tickets to his Slovenian fans, he will likely not disappoint them by not suiting up for the second straight game. Moreover, it is possible that other stars will also return with him, making the fans’ night even more special. On Thursday, JJ Redick announced that the Lakers are “hopeful” LeBron will be back in the lineup against the Bulls.

Well, he has not suited up since March 8 after straining his groin during the Celtics clash. However, LBJ has made decent progress and was seen participating in the pregame workout ahead of the Bucks game. Even veteran insider Shams Charania said, “His exact return will be based on how his body responds to increased activity here over the coming days and the coming week.”

As of now, LeBron has been listed as questionable on the injury report. Meanwhile, Rui, who has not suited up since February 27 due to left patellar tendinopathy, is also hopeful for return tonight. That would be a massive boost for the Lakers and surely a memorable moment for the three Slovenian fans who could not witness the Lakers at full strength on Thursday.

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