Dončić Out, Lakers Hit by Multiple Injuries

The Los Angeles Lakers' early 2025–26 season has been disrupted by multiple injuries. Luka Dončić has been downgraded to out with a left finger sprain and a left lower‑leg contusion and is expected to miss about a week. Marcus Smart exited Sunday's win over the Sacramento Kings with a right quad contusion and is listed questionable for Wednesday's game at Minnesota, while LeBron James remains sidelined with right‑side sciatica through mid‑November. In Dončić's absence Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton have carried much of the offense, and younger players may see expanded minutes if Smart, Dončić and Gabe Vincent are unavailable. Sacramento guard Zach LaVine was initially listed questionable with an illness ahead of the matchup, with some reports later indicating he was available, leaving his status unclear.