Luka Doncic Development Emerges Before Grizzlies Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 2:02 PM ET

Luka Doncic entered the 2025-26 season with massive expectations following his blockbuster move to the Los Angeles Lakers back in February. He wasted no time making an impression, opening the year with back-to-back dominant outings – scoring 43 points with 12 rebounds and nine assists in the season-opener, then following it up with 49 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in his second game.

His early performances reminded fans why the Lakers invested heavily in him as the franchise’s new centerpiece. But just as Doncic seemed poised to take over the league, injuries have set him back. A left finger sprain and a lower-leg contusion forced him to miss three straight contests as the Lakers continue to manage his recovery.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77).© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ahead of game versus the Memphis Grizzlies, the Lakers released its injury report on Thursday, listing Doncic as questionable. The designation signaled that the five-time All-Star is close to returning to the floor.

Lakers fans received more good news on Friday after Doncic was seen participating in Friday’s shootaround, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. The Lakers later upgraded him to probable hours before the game, a positive sign that he could see minutes against the Grizzlies.

Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart have been both upgraded to probable for tonight’s game in Memphis, per the Lakers.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 31, 2025

A return for Doncic would be a major lift for a Lakers squad still missing LeBron James, who remains sidelined by a sciatica injury and is not expected to return until at least mid-November.

In their absence, Austin Reaves has emerged as a dependable option, averaging 40 points, 10 assists and 5.3 rebounds in his last three games, including a 51-point explosion against the Sacramento Kings. His hot streak has helped the Lakers stay afloat, with a 3-2 record, but Doncic’s return would restore much-needed balance to the offense.

Doncic’s status will be closely monitored up until tipoff as Los Angeles awaits word on its biggest star. The Lakers begin their NBA Cup campaign at FedExForum 9:30 pm ET, with the game streaming on Prime Video.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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