Luka Doncic Iffy for Lakers vs Timberwolves as LeBron James Out With Sciatica

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing challenges early in the 2025-26 NBA season with star players dealing with injuries. Luka Dončić, who has delivered standout performances including 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists in the opener, is questionable for the upcoming game against the Sacramento Kings due to a sprained left finger. LeBron James is sidelined with sciatica and expected to miss games until at least mid-November, increasing pressure on the rest of the team. Austin Reaves and others like Gabe Vincent, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia are stepping up to fill the void, but ball management remains a concern. The Lakers recently lost their season opener to the Golden State Warriors and face the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that swept them in last season's first-round playoffs, with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards performing strongly despite back spasms. The Lakers must regroup and improve their shooting and defense to compete effectively without James and with Dončić's fitness uncertain.