Luka Dončić Injured as Lakers Face Depth Test

Luka Dončić, who averaged about 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists on 62% shooting through two games, suffered a left finger sprain and a lower-left leg contusion and was ruled out Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. He will miss at least one week and be re-evaluated, and could miss multiple upcoming regular-season games. The absence compounds Los Angeles’ issues with LeBron James still sidelined by knee and sciatic problems, leaving the team 1–1 and thin offensively. Coach JJ Redick has emphasized playing with pace, and Austin Reaves — along with reserves Marcus Smart, Dalton Knecht and Jake LaRavia — is expected to take on much larger scoring and facilitation roles. The Lakers’ limited bench production so far raises questions about where sustained offense will come from without their two best scorers, increasing pressure on the roster’s depth in upcoming matchups.