The Los Angeles Lakers were dealt a major setback on Sunday as superstar Luka Dončić was diagnosed with a sprained left finger and lower leg contusion that will keep him sidelined for at least a week, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“Dončić will be reevaluated in approximately one week,” McMenamin reported.
Injury Timeline Could Stretch Beyond One Week
While the Lakers initially called it a short-term injury, medical experts believe Dončić could miss more than just a few games.
Dr. Evan Jeffries, an NBA and NFL injury specialist and owner of Evolving Motion Physical Therapy in San Diego, said on X (formerly Twitter) that Dončić will likely require additional recovery and ramp-up time before returning to action.
“This likely means Luka won’t be back exactly in a week — he’ll need a ramp-up period,” Jeffries wrote. “Based on the Lakers’ schedule, he could miss approximately 5–10 games.”
The Lakers’ next 10-day stretch includes games against the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies. Losing Dončić for an extended stretch could derail the team’s early-season rhythm.
A Crushing Blow After Historic Start
The timing of Dončić’s injury is particularly painful. The Slovenian superstar was coming off a 49-point performance in the Lakers’ 128–110 victory over the Timberwolves, avenging last season’s first-round playoff exit.
Through two games, Dončić was averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, the highest two-game scoring total to start a season in Lakers franchise history.
He opened the year with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a narrow 119–109 loss to the Golden State Warriors, followed by his near-50-point masterpiece against Minnesota.
Beyond the scoring outburst, Dončić had also impressed Lakers staff with his improved conditioning and defensive intensity — two areas that drew heavy criticism during last year’s playoffs.
“Last year was really tough for me,” Dončić said after Friday’s win. “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.”
Lakers’ Depth Tested Without Dončić and LeBron
Dončić’s injury compounds a growing list of Lakers’ health issues. LeBron James remains sidelined with sciatic nerve irritation, while Maxi Kleber (abdominal strain) and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee) remain out. Backup center Jaxson Hayes will miss his second straight game with knee soreness.
That leaves Austin Reaves as the team’s primary offensive option. The 27-year-old guard has thrived in that role before — most notably last season, when he dropped a career-high 45 points in a 124–117 win over the Indiana Pacers with both James and Dončić out.
Reaves became the youngest Laker since Kobe Bryant (2006) to record a 40-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist performance and joined an exclusive club that includes Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Bryant, and James.
Ayton and Smart Must Step Up
New Lakers additions Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart will also need to shoulder more responsibility.
Ayton is averaging 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks while shooting 66.7% from the field through two games. Smart has provided defensive stability with 1.5 steals per game, but only 6.0 points on offense.
Both veterans will be key in keeping the Lakers afloat during Dončić’s absence.
Lakers Brace for Life Without Luka
Dončić’s recovery timeline will depend on how quickly the swelling subsides in his finger and lower leg. Even if he returns after the one-week reevaluation window, he will likely face minutes restrictions and conditioning tests before resuming full game action.
For a Lakers team already battling injuries to multiple starters, every missed game could carry heavy weight in the Western Conference standings.
Until Dončić returns, the Lakers’ championship hopes will rest on the shoulders of Reaves, Ayton, and Smart — and a fanbase holding its breath for the return of its new franchise cornerstone.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Luka Dončić Injury Timeline Revealed: Lakers Star Set to Miss Time appeared first on Heavy Sports.