UPDATE: Luka Doncic is set to miss at least one week with what is being labeled a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion. He initially popped onto the injury report with the finger issue and was listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup with the Kings. But ESPN’s Shams Charania reports the injury is worse than initially expected and he will be sidelined for at least the next four games.
This is a major blow to the Lakers who are off to a 1-1 start to the season. LeBron James still remains on the sideline without a clear timeline of return and Doncic’s MVP caliber start to the season has been necessary for the team to remain competitive. The five-time All-Star had 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in the opener and followed this up with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists on Friday.
More updates will be added as they are provided by the team but this is another tough break for Los Angeles in an extremely competitive Western Conference.
Another Lakers superstar has been placed on the injury report.
Luka Doncic has been officially listed as questionable for the team’s Sunday night matchup against the Sacramento Kings due to a left finger sprain, the Lakers announced Saturday night.
Jaxson Hayes (left knee soreness) was also deemed questionable, while LeBron James (right sciatica), Maxi Kleber (abdominal muscle strain), and Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) remain out.
Doncic appeared to injure his finger on a shooting foul in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night in Los Angeles. It didn’t seem to bother him too much, as the star guard erupted for 49 points (14-for-23, 5-for-12 3PT) with 11 rebounds and eight assists en route to a commanding Lakers win.
Los Angeles is 1-1 through its first two games, playing without James, who’s targeting a return for mid-November. Doncic has stepped up in his absence, averaging 46 points, 11.5 boards, and 8.5 dimes on 62% shooting from the floor.
It remains to be seen how the Lakers will fare with both of their stars on the sidelines. Austin Reaves, who has posted a delightful 25.5 points and 10 assists per game in the early goings, will likely serve as the crux of their offense.
The Lakers enter Sunday night’s contest as -125 road favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the Kings (1-1) listed as +105 underdogs. The total is set at 231.5 points.
Stay tuned to DK Network for live updates.
