Lakers expect Luka Doncic back in lineup next week
lakers-expect-luka-doncic-back-next-week
The Los Angeles Lakers believe All-Star guard Luka Doncic will miss only a short stretch after spraining a finger on his left hand and bruising his lower left leg, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. The club anticipates the 24-year-old will return to action sometime next week.
Doncic sat out Sunday’s 127-120 victory over the Kings in Sacramento while he recovers. The injury is not considered serious, and the organization opted for rest to speed up healing.
Meanwhile, forward LeBron James remains on schedule for a mid-November comeback from sciatica. McMenamin reported that the four-time MVP’s rehabilitation “is progressing in the right direction.”
Reaves fills the void
With Doncic sidelined, Austin Reaves produced one of the most prolific stat lines in recent franchise history. The third-year guard poured in a career-best 51 points, burying six three-pointers—including the 500th of his career—and sank four clutch free throws in the final 32 seconds to secure the win.
Reaves also grabbed 11 rebounds and handed out nine assists, joining Doncic, Russell Westbrook and James Harden as the only players in the past 40 years to post at least 50 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in a game. The last Laker to reach that threshold was Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor in 1963.
Deandre Ayton contributed 22 points and 15 boards, while Rui Hachimura added 18 points as Los Angeles improved to 2-1.
Source: Hoops Wire
