Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic missed out on Sunday night’s NBA clash against the Sacramento Kings. Doncic was originally listed as questionable, but was officially downgraded to out due to a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion (bruise).
He’s expected to be out for at least a week and make a comeback only in November. Marcus Smart replaced him in the starting lineup against the Kings.
The injury to Doncic is a huge blow for the Lakers, who were already forced to kick off the season without superstar LeBron James. James is dealing with sciatica (pain caused by compression of a spinal nerve root) on his right side and is expected to be out until mid-November.
The Lakers will be missing their two best players for a stretch
of games that features the Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies, after the Kings.
The timing couldn’t be any worse as they were just starting to find a rhythm after a 128-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday night, which followed a big loss to the Golden State Warriors.
The only caveat for the Lakers in the historic trade for Doncic was his injury history. Although he has never missed significant game time with an injury, he’s played over 70 games in a full season only once, his rookie year, showing a tendency to suffer minor issues.
History-maker Doncic
The Lakers would hope that the injury doesn’t get any serious, considering the form the point guard has been in.
He delivered a stunning all-round performance to help the team cruise past the Timberwolves. The Slovenian erupted with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. It was his second straight 40-plus outing to start the season, making him the first Laker and only the fourth player ever to achieve that feat.
Doncic, who had scored 43 in the opener against Golden State, also became the first player in NBA history to open a season with consecutive games of at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. His combined 92 points are the most by any Laker through two games, surpassing the legendary Jerry West’s 81.
Coach JJ Redick hailed Doncic’s leadership, noting how he adjusted when double-teamed and even stepped up defensively. “If your point guard gives you 11 rebounds and still controls the game like that, it’s special,” Redick said.
