Already playing without LeBron James as he deals with sciatica, the Los Angeles Lakers will be without their other superstar for at least one week. On Sunday, the team announced that Luka Dončić will be re-evaluated in one week after suffering a sprained finger on his left (non-shooting) hand and a lower left leg contusion.
Luka Dončić has been diagnosed with a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion and will be reevaluated in approximately 1 week, per the Lakers.
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) October 26, 2025
With that timeline, he’ll miss at least four games, beginning with Sunday’s matchup with the Kings in Sacramento. Through two games, Dončić totaled 92 points, 23 rebounds, 17 assists, two steals, one blocked shot, seven three-pointers and six turnovers. He shot nearly 86 percent from inside the arc and 62 percent from the field overall, leading the Lakers to a 1-1 record. To say Dončić missing time will significantly impact the Lakers, especially in the highly competitive West, would be an understatement. Let’s look at how his absence will impact fantasy basketball.
Who will move into the starting lineup?
Veteran guard Marcus Smart (three percent rostered, Yahoo! leagues) is the most likely choice due to his defensive abilities. In two games off the bench, he’s totaled 12 points, one assist, three steals and one three-pointer, shooting 50 percent from the field and 75 percent from the foul line. Smart, who can be a mixed bag offensively, isn’t the most appealing streaming option. However, the Lakers playing four games during Week 2 makes him worth a look in deep leagues.
Who else can fantasy managers consider adding?
Starting forward Rui Hachimura (24 percent rostered) is available in many standard leagues, and there will be more opportunities for him on the offensive end of the floor. This is the first place fantasy managers should look for value, and some would argue it’s the only place to do so. Gabe Vincent (two percent), who is filling in for the injured James, has been underwhelming through two games, but there will be some adventurous deep-league managers who decide to roll the dice. Jake LaRavia (one percent) can provide additional playmaking, but like Vincent, he’s failed to impress thus far.
Austin Reaves (99 percent) and Deandre Ayton (95 percent) are pretty much off the board, but their roles will expand out of necessity.
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