Lakers optimistic Luka Doncic will return next week

The Lakers don’t expect to be without Luka Doncic for long.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported Monday that the team believes “giving him some time right now should be enough” for Doncic’s recovery, adding that the All-Star guard is expected back in the lineup next week.

Doncic has been dealing with a sprained finger on his left hand and a bruised lower left leg, injuries that sidelined him for Sunday’s win in Sacramento.

Meanwhile, LeBron James remains on track for a mid-November return from sciatica, according to McMenamin, who said the four-time MVP’s rehab is progressing in the right direction.

In Doncic’s absence, Austin Reaves delivered the game of his life, not to mention one of the best statistical performances in recent Lakers history.

Reaves erupted for a career-high 51 points, drilling six 3-pointers (including the 500th of his career) and knocking down four clutch free throws in the final 32 seconds to seal a 127-120 win over the Kings.

He added 11 rebounds and nine assists, joining Doncic, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden as the only players in the last 40 years to post at least 50-11-9 in a game.

The last Laker to reach that mark? Elgin Baylor back in 1963.

Deandre Ayton finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds, and Rui Hachimura added 18, helping the Lakers move to 2-1.