After initial doubts, it has now been confirmed that Luka Doncic will not suit up for the Sunday night fixture between the Lakers and the Kings after suffering two injuries in their last matchup against the Timberwolves.
According to sources, the Lakers’ superstar suffered a left finger sprain and a left leg contusion following their 128-110 win on Friday, October 24, which has now sidelined him for at least a week. Doncic finished that game with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while shooting 60.9% from the field.
Marcus Smart is set to replace Doncic in the starting lineup that will also include Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Gabe Vincent.
The Lakers’ head coach, JJ Redick, spoke to the media about the roster adjusting to their superstar’s absence. He clarified that it is a precautionary measure to sideline him for a week, and they do not have major concerns over the set of injuries he suffered during the Timberwolves game.
“He’s been awesome, feeling great about having him as the primary guy,” said Redick about Austin Reaves, who is expected to be the primary scorer for the Lakers now that both their superstars are sidelined. Redick felt excited about their roster depth, especially with the addition of Marcus Smart, who can be an additional ball handler for the Lakers whenever Reaves needs rest in the game.
However, the key concern for the Lakers fans is the injuries to Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and other key rotation players. According to Trevor Lane of the Lakers Nation, $115 million out of the Lakers’ $195 million payroll is currently benched due to injuries.
The question that now remains is how the absence of their superstar names affects the Lakers’ ability to generate offense. Redick also addressed their query during the pre-game press conference.
“We’re going to need offense from other guys. Everything’s got to be done within the framework of what we’re trying to do. And we saw it in the preseason, Gabe, at times, can give you some offensive lift. Rui can do that, DA can do that, Smart can do that.”
“All these guys, they can do it; it’s just got to be done differently. You’re not just going to put the ball in the guys’ hands like you would with Luka and expect to get a good shot. It’s got to be done with our pace and screening, and organized actions in our offense,” said Redick in conclusion.
Doncic has had a stellar start to the season. In the first two games of the season, he has averaged 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, while shooting 62.0% from the field but only 31.8% from beyond the three-point line.
As a result of this decision to sideline him for a week, the Lakers’ star is expected to miss four games, including a back-to-back set of games against the Kings and Trail Blazers, tonight and tomorrow. Subsequently, the Lakers will face the Timberwolves once more, before Luka Doncic gets reevaluated ahead of the Grizzlies game on Saturday (October 31).
