Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic will be sidelined for approximately one week because of a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion, the team announced Sunday morning, noting he will be reevaluated at that time.
The Lakers are optimistic that Doncic will not need extended time for recovery beyond the initial estimated timeline, sources told ESPN.
“It just kind of was something that happened,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said of Doncic’s leg injury when asked before his team’s 127-120 win at Sacramento on Sunday night. “I wasn’t even aware of it after the game. I became aware of it, obviously, yesterday and overnight, whatever he felt from that hit, it just materialized. So obviously we want to be safe here.”
L.A. plays the Portland Trail Blazers on the second night of a back-to-back Monday, then is on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday and the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday before returning to host the Miami Heat next Sunday.
Doncic’s absence is a big blow for the Lakers, already without LeBron James and now missing their leading scorer who was off to a historic start to the season, averaging 46 points through L.A.’s first two games.
“We’re going to need offense from other guys,” Redick said. “Everything’s got to be done within the framework of what we’re trying to do.”
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes was also not available against the Kings, missing a second straight game because of left knee soreness.