Luka Doncic will miss at least one week of action after the club confirmed he is dealing with a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion.
Doncic “will be reevaluated in approximately one week,” and sources told ESPN the Lakers are “optimistic that Doncic will not need extended time for recovery beyond the initial estimated timeline,” according to the team’s announcement.
The injury absence comes at a particularly challenging time for the LA Lakers. With LeBron James already sidelined, the Lakers are now without their leading scorer, one who got off to a historic start this season.
The team will face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, then hosts the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday (in the second night of a back-to-back), travels to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday and the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday before returning home to face the Miami Heat next Sunday.
From the outset of the season, Doncic had been carrying the offensive load in James’s absence, averaging 46 points per game through the Lakers’ first two contests. His sudden unavailability now represents a significant blow to the franchise’s early momentum.
In addition to Doncic’s injury, the Lakers announced that centre Jaxson Hayes will not play against the Kings, missing a second straight game due to left knee soreness.
The team’s depth and resilience will be tested in the upcoming stretch without both of their top stars.
As the Lakers navigate this rough patch, all eyes will be on how the supporting cast steps up and how quickly Doncic can return to full strength.
Sources emphasise that while the injury is not expected to sideline him for an extended period, the week-to-week evaluation will determine whether he’s available for the pivotal match-ups ahead.
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