LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers will be without Luka Doncic on Sunday night in Sacramento after the All-Star guard suffered a left finger sprain and lower leg contusion, the team announced. Medical staff plan to re-evaluate the injury in one week.
Doncic was added to the injury report following Friday’s victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he hurt his finger and leg in the opening minutes. Despite taping the finger in a splint, the 26-year-old erupted for 49 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, guiding Los Angeles to its first win of the season.
Through two games, Doncic is averaging 46.0 points, giving the Lakers an early offensive spark that will be missing for at least the next four contests, starting with the trip to Golden 1 Center. The club is already shorthanded without LeBron James, who remains out due to right-side sciatica.
With both stars sidelined, head coach JJ Redick indicated Austin Reaves will handle primary playmaking duties. “We’ll need everyone to raise their level,” Redick said.
Ayton earns praise for steady play
Redick highlighted center Deandre Ayton’s patience on offense after the Timberwolves game. Ayton finished with 15 points and eight boards in 32 minutes. “DA was great,” Redick noted, emphasizing the center’s screening and defensive presence while building early pick-and-roll chemistry with Doncic.
The Lakers continue a four-game road swing after Sunday, hoping to keep pace in the Western Conference while awaiting updates on their two marquee names.
Source: LakersNation.com
