Luka Doncic, Lakers Challenge 65 Game Rule

Luka Dončić is out indefinitely with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and will finish the regular season having played 64 games, one short of the 65-game rule that bars postseason award eligibility. His agent Bill Duffy said they will file an "Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge" after Dončić missed two games to travel to Europe for the birth of his child, a reason Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix called a "strong case." Coach JJ Redick said Dončić will have an MRI on Friday and the Lakers have five regular-season games left. Merlin senses the paperwork fight is as important as the rehab for now. The CBA route means an independent arbitrator will rule after the season, and precedent favors clear personal emergencies. If the challenge succeeds, Dončić keeps his shot at honors; if not, he joins others who fell just short of the cutoff.