Luka Dončić Injury Timeline Revealed: Lakers Star Set to Miss Time
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
“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
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
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
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,
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.
Lakers Get Good News on Luka Dončić Injury
The Los Angeles Lakers offered some relief to anxious fans after The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported that there are no long-term concerns about Luka Dončić’s injuries, even as the superstar is expected to miss multiple games.
Dončić, who is dealing with a sprained left finger and lower leg contusion, was officially ruled out for at least one week, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. But Woike’s update shifted the tone from worry to optimism.
“Source tells me there’s no long-term concerns here,” Woike wrote. “Obviously, a relatively quick re-evaluation period signals the same.”
A Sigh of Relief in Los Angeles
Woike’s intel underscores that while the Lakers’ new franchise cornerstone will miss time, the organization does not view the setback as serious. The quick re-evaluation window suggests Dončić’s injuries are minor rather than structural.
His return, however, will depend on how his finger responds to treatment and whether the swelling in his leg subsides.
Dr. Evan Jeffries, an NBA and NFL injury expert based in San Diego, told fans on X that even with an optimistic diagnosis, Dončić will likely need a ramp-up period before returning to full 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.”
Dončić’s Injury Comes Amid Historic Start
The setback halts what had been one of the most explosive starts to a Lakers season in franchise history. Through two games, Dončić is averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, including a 49-point masterpiece in the Lakers’ 128–110 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
He also tallied 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in a narrow season-opening loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Dončić’s first two performances made him the first player in Lakers history to score over 90 points across the team’s first two games of a season.
