The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to regain their two biggest reinforcements as Luka Dončić and Marcus Smart are both listed “probable” for Friday’s road game against the Memphis Grizzlies, according to the NBA’s latest injury report.
Dončić has missed the past three games with a left finger sprain and lower leg contusion, while Smart sat out the last two contests with a right quadriceps injury. Their impending return could not come at a better time for the Lakers, who have managed to stay afloat at 3-2 despite missing their stars.
Dončić’s Dominant Start Draws MVP Buzz
Before his brief absence, Dončić was off to one of the most explosive starts in franchise history. The Slovenian superstar opened his first full season in Los Angeles by averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists through two games — the most points ever by a Laker across the first two games of a season.
He poured in 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a narrow 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors before erupting for 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in a 128-110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Lakers’ offense has sputtered without Dončić’s all-world shot creation, though Austin Reaves’ recent heroics have softened the blow.
Reaves’ Star Turn Keeps Lakers Afloat
In Dončić’s absence, Reaves delivered one of the most remarkable three-game stretches in recent Lakers memory. The undrafted guard from Arkansas averaged 40.0 points and 10.0 assists over that span — capped by a buzzer-beating floater to lift Los Angeles past Minnesota, 116-115, on Wednesday night.
With both Dončić and LeBron James sidelined, Reaves assumed full control of the offense and delivered performances for the ages: 28 points and a career-high-tying 16 assists, a 41-point and career-best 51-point game.
Now, as Dončić returns, Reaves is expected to slide back to his secondary-creator role — one that allows him to thrive as a shooter and playmaker off the ball.
Smart’s Defense and Leadership Return
Smart’s comeback also gives the Lakers a defensive and vocal boost. The 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year has averaged 7.7 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 43.8% from the field.
Despite modest counting stats, Smart leads the Lakers in plus-minus at +33, per Statmuse, underscoring his impact on both ends of the court.
Before his injury, Smart tallied 11 points and five assists in the team’s 127-120 win over the Sacramento Kings — the same night Reaves erupted for 51 points.
LaRavia’s Breakout Adds Depth
Lakers coach JJ Redick may face difficult rotation choices as Smart returns, particularly after Jake LaRavia’s breakout performance against Minnesota. The 23-year-old forward scored a season-high 27 points on 5-of-6 shooting from three-point range.
“Very early in his Laker career, but clearly his best game,” Redick said. “His activity level, deflections, and confidence in his shot were big.”
While Smart’s 14.3% shooting from deep remains a weakness, LaRavia’s hot 50% clip from three provides Redick with valuable spacing options alongside Dončić and Reaves.
Lakers Eye to Keep Momentum Going
With Dončić and Smart back in action, the Lakers will look to maintain their early-season rhythm and continue climbing the Western Conference standings.
The matchup in Memphis marks a critical opportunity to solidify chemistry before James — still nursing sciatica — makes his own anticipated return later this month.
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