Copyright sportskeeda
LA Lakers guard Luka Doncic suffered a huge blow with finger and leg issues ahead of a tough schedule for the Lakers. He is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings due to a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion, the team announced.He will be reevaluated in about one week. This injury comes at the wrong time for the Lakers who started the 2025-26 season without LeBron James.Their upcoming schedule after the Kings has them face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. Next, they travel to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday and the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, and host the Miami Heat on Nov. 2.Doncic has averaged 46 points over two games. According to sources, who told ESPN, the Lakers expect Doncic’s recovery to align with the one-week timeline, though no extended absence is ruled out.He last featured in the Lakers’ 128-110 win against the Timberwolves on Friday. He recorded 49 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, leading the Lakers to their first win of the season. In their season opener against the Golden State Warriors, he finished with 43 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists, in the 119-109 home loss.Luka Doncic joined the Lakers in a blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks last season. The trade shook the league and equally boosted the Lakers. He is reportedly the Lakers’ cornerstone piece, as they prepare to transition to life after James.What’s next for Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Lakers?Luka Doncic’s injury-plagued absence will come as a huge blow to the Lakers. While his offensive threat will be missed, the plan will be to keep him fit on his return and not aggravate anything further.Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic (77) gathers his feet during the NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)In his absence, the Lakers’ role players will have to step up. While the onus will be on Austin Reaves to fill his shoes, other players like Rui Hachimura and center Deandre Ayton will have to do more than expected.
