Just as Luka Dončić is off to a record-shattering start to his first full season with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team delivered an unwelcome update.
The Lakers have listed Dončić as questionable to play Sunday against the Sacramento Kings because of a sprained left finger, casting doubt on his availability for a key early-season Pacific Division matchup.
The injury comes two days after Dončić erupted for a 49-point masterpiece in the Lakers’ 128-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, a rematch of last season’s first-round playoff defeat.
Historic Two-Game Stretch for Luka Dončić
Dončić’s start to the 2025-26 season has been nothing short of historic. Through two games, the Slovenian superstar is averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, marking the most points scored by any player in franchise history through the first two games of a season.
He opened the campaign with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a narrow 119-109 loss to the Golden State Warriors, then followed with a dominant showing against Minnesota, adding 11 rebounds and eight assists to his 49 points.
In both contests, Dončić narrowly missed triple-doubles while showing improved conditioning and defensive energy after an offseason transformation that became one of the league’s most-discussed storylines.
“He managed the game really well,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said after Friday’s win. “We needed him scoring early, but when they started blitzing, he became a willing passer. His defense got better as the game went on, and to get 11 rebounds from your point guard — that’s just awesome.”
Redemption After Last Year’s Playoff Struggles
Dončić’s resurgence comes months after widespread criticism during the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to Minnesota last season, when he was labeled the defensive weak link.
“Last year was really tough for me,” Dončić said. “I just want to forget about last season. We’re gonna meet them a few more times this year — it’s going to be a war every time we play them.”
The 26-year-old’s defensive improvement has been noticeable, with quicker rotations, better lateral movement, and increased engagement on switches — all areas that plagued him last postseason.
Lakers Face Depth Concerns Without Dončić and LeBron
The potential loss of Dončić compounds the Lakers’ growing injury list. LeBron James remains sidelined with a sciatic nerve irritation, and the team is already without Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain) and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee). Backup center Jaxson Hayes is also questionable with knee soreness.
If Dončić is unable to play, Austin Reaves may again shoulder the scoring load against Sacramento — a role he has thrived in before.
Austin Reaves Ready to Step Up Again
Reaves memorably scored a career-high 45 points last season in a 124-117 win over the Indiana Pacers with both James and Dončić sidelined. He shot 14-of-26 from the field while adding seven rebounds and seven assists — becoming the youngest Laker since Kobe Bryant (2006) to record a 40-5-5 stat line.
He also joined an elite list — Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Bryant, and James — as the only Lakers ever to record at least 45 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in a single game.
As the Lakers prepare for Sunday’s home game against the Kings, Reaves may once again find himself in a starring role — but the franchise will be holding its breath for encouraging news on Dončić’s injured finger.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Lakers Sound Alarm After Luka Dončić Injury Update appeared first on Heavy Sports.