Lakers' Luka Doncic receives positive update after injury diagnosis

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to get a win over the Sacramento Kings in their first game without Luka Doncic on Sunday. Austin Reaves finished with a near 50-point triple-double (51 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists), and Deandre Ayton (22 points, 15 rebounds) tallied his best game yet as a Laker.

However, Luka Doncic will be sidelined moving forward after sustaining a left finger sprain and a left lower leg contusion during the Lakers' win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 24.

It doesn't appear to be a long-term injury. More details on his timeline for return have been released.

McMenamin: Luka Doncic isn't expected to miss more than a week

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, "The Lakers are optimistic that Doncic will not need extended time for recovery beyond the initial estimated timeline."

Doncic, 26, was off to a hot start to the 2025-26 season, averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists while shooting 62% from the field in two games.

This is positive news for Los Angeles, as they are already without LeBron James for the start of the season after he sustained a sciatica injury to his right side. The 40-year-old has no specific date for return.

For the time being, the Lakers will rely on Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton to help lead the team. Los Angeles has games against the Portland Trail Blazers (Oct. 27), Minnesota Timberwolves (Oct. 29), Memphis Grizzlies (Oct. 31), and the Miami Heat (Nov. 2) this week.

MORE NBA NEWS:

• Paul George injury struggles continue; 76ers forward remains out through weekend

• Stephen A. Smith explains why he doesn't like LeBron James in recent comments

• Thunder add former Nets first-round pick in late preseason roster move