Los Angeles Lakers fans received some bad news ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings at 9:00 p.m. ET.
Superstar point guard Luka Doncic, who was initially listed as questionable for Sunday’s contest due to a sprained left finger, is now set to be reevaluated in one week due to the finger injury and a lower left leg contusion, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The setback is a significant blow to the 1-1 Lakers, who are already missing LeBron James due to sciatica on his right side. With Doncic sidelined, Austin Reaves will need to power Los Angeles’ offense for at least the next week.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic is out for at least one week with a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 26, 2025
MORE: Lakers center Deandre Ayton compares Austin Reaves to Suns superstar
When could Luka Doncic return
Doncic is expected to miss a minimum of four games due to the injuries. The five-time All-Star is expected to be reevaluated next Sunday and could hypothetically suit up against the Miami Heat, though the Lakers will likely allow him additional time to ramp up in practice before returning, making it more realistic that he comes back later that week — either against the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 3 or the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 5.
This news comes after an impressive two-game stretch in which Doncic totaled 92 points, 23 rebounds and 17 assists in 76 minutes. Now, with their two best playmakers sidelined, the Lakers will look to Reaves to carry the offense.
Gabe Vincent and Marcus Smart are likely to see increased minutes with Doncic out, while Bronny James and Dalton Knecht are also candidates to receive an uptick in playing time.
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