Lakers hit by more bad news as Luka Doncic ruled out with injury

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing more problems after learning that star player Luka Doncic has picked up an injury. The 17-time NBA champions are already without LeBron James, who has yet to make his first appearance of the season.

According to ESPN, Doncic has suffered a sprained left finger and a bruise on his lower left leg. The Slovenian guard is expected to be out for at least one week while he recovers.

Doncic has been in brilliant form, carrying the injury-hit Lakers early in the season. He scored 43 points in their opening loss to the Golden State Warriors and followed that with 49 points in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. His performances broke a 56-year-old Lakers record once held by legend Jerry West.

This is Doncic’s second season with the Lakers after a surprise trade last February, and his first full season under coach JJ Redick.

With Doncic and James both sidelined, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura will need to lead the team’s offence. Reaves stepped up on Sunday night, scoring a career-high 51 points against the Sacramento Kings, and is expected to take on a bigger role.

LeBron, who is still recovering from a sciatica problem on his right side, is not expected back until mid-November. Despite being unable to play, he has been seen supporting his teammates from the sidelines.

The Lakers have started the regular season with a 2–2 record after a 122–108 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Their next game is against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who share the same record.