Lakers’ Luka Dončić to Miss at Least One Week Due to Injury

SACRAMENTO, CA — Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić will be sidelined for at least one week due to a left finger sprain and a lower leg contusion, the team announced on Sunday. The injury occurred during Friday’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Despite the injury, Dončić delivered a stellar performance, scoring 49 points, along with 11 rebounds and eight assists, leading the Lakers to a 128-110 victory. With 92 points in the first two games of the season, he set a franchise record for the most points scored at the start of a season, surpassing Jerry West’s previous record.

Dončić’s absence comes at a challenging time for the Lakers, who are already missing star player LeBron James due to a sciatica injury. James’ status remains uncertain, and he is expected to be out until at least mid-November. The Lakers have a busy schedule ahead, with four games in six days, starting with a road game against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.

The team is also without center Jaxson Hayes, who is dealing with knee soreness. Hayes will not play in Sunday’s matchup, marking his second consecutive missed game. Other players like Maxi Kleber and Adou Theiro are also out due to injuries.

Head coach Jason Kidd will need to adjust the lineup significantly as the team moves forward without both Dončić and James. Players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell are expected to step up in scoring roles as the Lakers navigate this difficult stretch without their two stars.

As the Lakers face a tough task ahead, each game is crucial in a competitive Western Conference where a few losses can impact playoff positions significantly. The Lakers hope to bounce back and keep their momentum while waiting for the return of their key players.