#luka-doncic

#luka-doncic

Lakers and NBA reporter for ESPN. Covered the Lakers and NBA for ESPNLosAngeles.com from 2009-14, the Cavaliers from 2014-18 for ESPN.com and the NBA for NBA.com from 2005-09. Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic will miss Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings with a left finger sprain and a lower left leg contusion, the team announced. Doncic will be reevaluated in approximately one week. The Lakers are optimistic that Doncic will not need extended time for recovery beyond the initial estimated timeline, sources told ESPN.

Amid a very busy year -- a stunning trade and max contract extension, playoffs in a new city and EuroBasket competition -- Luka Doncic achieved an under-the-radar accomplishment in 2025. Thanks to a host of happy Los Angeles Lakers fans celebrating their new star, Doncic had the highest-selling jersey in the NBA, breaking an 11-year run where LeBron James or Stephen Curry's jersey sales led the league. A decade removed from the start of Curry's and James' Finals clashes, the NBA is still largely defined by those living legends, now 37 and 40 years old, respectively. It's not just the jersey sales, though they ranked second and third, respectively, behind Doncic.

Doncic stood, newly toned and beaming, posing for a photo opp at Yankee Stadium with Aaron Judge, as legit a symbol of freakish physique gifts as exists on today's sports landscape.

"They both average about nine assists over their career span. The type of players they create with their teammates, they turn them into superstars."

Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith is declining his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season and will enter free agency, sources told ESPN on Sunday.