Lakers share unexpected Luka Doncic update amid mounting injuries

The Los Angeles Lakers are aiming to improve to 4-2 in Friday's NBA Cup West Group B matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, and one of their superstars could come back sooner than expected. 

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Sunday that Luka Doncic would miss at least a week due to a sprained left finger and a lower left leg contusion. However, Doncic is now listed as questionable for Friday's contest and could return before the one-week mark, according to Dan Woike of The Athletic. 

While it wouldn't be surprising to see the superstar point guard miss his fourth consecutive game due to the injuries, it's a positive update that he even has a chance to play against Memphis. 

Luka Dončić has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game in Memphis pic.twitter.com/uTUcHPjUdL

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What Luka Doncic's absence would mean for Lakers

While Doncic's questionable tag raises some hope that he could play, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Lakers exercise caution with their star. If the five-time All-Star ultimately joins LeBron James, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero on the sidelines, Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia are candidates to enter the starting five. 

However, Smart is also listed as questionable due to a right quadriceps contusion and could miss his third game. In that case, LaRavia would likely start, while Bronny James and Nick Smith could see an uptick in playing time. 

Regardless, Austin Reaves is expected to lead the charge if Doncic remains sidelined. Reaves has been stellar through five regular-season games, averaging 34.2 points, 10.0 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 38.2 minutes per game. He's also shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from three-point range.

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