The Los Angeles Lakers received a much-needed dose of optimism on Wednesday after head coach JJ Redick revealed that Luka Dončić could be nearing a return to the lineup.
Dončić Nearing Return After Finger Sprain, Leg Contusion
Redick told reporters he’s “hopeful” the Lakers’ superstar will return within the “next couple of games,” according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, who shared the update ahead of Wednesday night’s matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“[Redick] said the sprained finger on Dončić’s left hand has gone from double its normal size to 1.5x its normal size, so that is progress. Said Dončić remains day to day. LAL plays Memphis on Friday and Dončić is not currently on the trip with the team,” McMenamin reported on X.
Dončić has also been managing a lower leg contusion, but the team remains confident the injury won’t sideline him long-term.
The update follows a similar report from The Athletic’s Dan Woike, who indicated that Dončić’s situation is being treated with caution, not concern.
“Source tells me there’s no long-term concerns here,” Woike reported on Oct. 26. “Obviously, a relatively quick re-evaluation period signals the same.”
The Lakers have split their last two games without Dončić, who had been off to one of the most explosive starts to a season in franchise history before the injury.
A Historic Start Before the Setback
Through two games, Dončić has been nothing short of spectacular. The Slovenian star is averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, becoming the first player in Lakers history to score more than 90 points across the team’s first two games of a season.
He opened the year with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a narrow 119–109 loss to the Golden State Warriors, then erupted for 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in a 128–110 win over the Timberwolves.
Redick praised Dončić’s improved decision-making and defensive effort, pointing to his all-around command of the floor.
“He managed the game really well,” Redick said after that performance. “You get 11 rebounds out of your point guard. It’s just awesome. A complete game from him tonight.”
Conditioning, FIBA Grind Could Be Factors
Dončić’s conditioning has been a major talking point this season. After facing criticism for playing out of shape last year, the 25-year-old transformed his body through a strict diet and training regimen, leading to visible improvements in agility and endurance.
However, the wear and tear from his heavy FIBA EuroBasket workload may have contributed to the setback. Dončić carried Slovenia to the quarterfinals, logging major minutes in physically demanding international play just weeks before the Lakers’ training camp.
The Lakers’ medical staff has emphasized caution given Dončić’s history. While with the Dallas Mavericks last season, Dončić missed nearly six weeks and 22 straight games due to a left calf strain—an injury that ultimately played a role in his trade to Los Angeles.
Austin Reaves Stepping Into the Spotlight
In Dončić’s absence, Austin Reaves has emerged as the Lakers’ top scoring option and emotional leader. The undrafted guard has averaged 35.8 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.8 rebounds on 57.3% shooting from the field and 42.9% from three over the last two games.
“The biggest thing was him taking a step forward as a leader,” Redick said. “He knows this is as much his team as LeBron’s or Luka’s. He’s no longer the undrafted guy — he’s one of the guys now.”
Reaves, 27, is in the final guaranteed year of his four-year, $53 million contract. Woike recently said on The Zach Lowe Show that Reaves will likely decline his $14.8 million player option next summer and could draw offers “north of $40 million” annually.
While Dončić is gearing up for his return, the Lakers, for now, will continue leaning on Reaves and Deandre Ayton as they look to stay afloat until their MVP-caliber star returns.
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