Luka Doncic Out Vs. Pistons

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons with low back tightness. Doncic originally popped up on the injury report as questionable before being ruled out hours before tipoff.

This is the first of a four-game road trip for the Lakers and also the first night of a back-to-back with them traveling to play the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. With that being the case, it makes sense to be cautious with Doncic to assure this back injury doesn’t become a more serious issue.

Obviously being without Doncic is a big loss though as he has been on a tear to begin the season, establishing himself as the early MVP favorite.

In nine games played, Doncic is averaging 40.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 49.8% from the field, 41.9% from deep and 87.3% from the free throw line. The 27-year-old has scored 40 or more in four straight games and six of his last seven, taking his game to another level for the Lakers.

Without Doncic in the lineup on Sunday though, other players will need to step up to beat a tough Pistons team on the road. It starts with Austin Reaves, who has shot the ball well this season but is looking to decrease his turnovers. Other bench players like Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton should all get more on-ball opportunities as well in the absence of the league’s leading scorers.

The hope is that this will just be a one-game absence for Doncic, although his status will be worth monitoring leading up to Monday night’s game in Atlanta.

Can Luka Doncic average 40 points per game this season?

It’s only 10 games into the season, but Doncic is currently on pace to be the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to average 40 points per game. And the Lakers star was recently asked if he thinks it is possible.

“Man, it’s obviously a long season, we’re just ten games in, we’ve got 72 left. But, as long as we win, I’m good,” Doncic said after Friday’s win over the Portland Trail Blazers. “Obviously, I got them up today, I ain’t gonna lie. Hopefully it continues, but you never know.”

While averaging 40 for an entire season seems unlikely, if anyone can threaten that mark in today’s NBA, it is certainly Doncic.