Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is set to miss around a week after suffering a left finger sprain and a lower leg contusion, Afrosport reports.
Doncic, who has made an explosive start to the season, is expected to sit out upcoming games against the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies.
The injury comes at a difficult time for the Lakers, who are already without LeBron James. The 40-year-old has missed the Lakers’ first two games of the season due to sciatica on his right side and is not expected to return until next month.
Despite James’ absence, Doncic has taken on the mantle of leadership, averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists across the opening two games.
The 26-year-old became the first player in NBA history to begin a season with back-to-back games of at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists.
In his eight NBA seasons with the Dallas Mavericks and now the Lakers, Doncic has averaged 28.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists across 452 games — all as a starter.
The Lakers, who began the season with one win and one loss, will now need to rely on their depth as they navigate a tough stretch without their two biggest stars.
