Who Will Replace Luka Doncic in Lakers Lineup?

The Los Angeles Lakers face a tough road ahead over at least the next week.

Los Angeles will be without both its All-NBA superstars, guard Luka Doncic and power forward LeBron James, during that span.

James' right-side sciatica injury has been a lingering issue, and he's not expected to return until possibly as late as mid-November. Doncic got hurt during a surgical 49-point, 11-rebound, eight-assist masterclass run against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

"Buha's Block" Lakers insider Jovan Buha reports that the 6-foot-6 guard sprained a finger on his left hand and suffered a lower left leg contusion in that 128-110 blowout.

At the very least, Doncic will miss Sunday's matchup against the Sacramento Kings, Monday's clash with the Portland Trail Blazers, a Wednesday rematch with Minnesota, and a Friday battle against the Memphis Grizzlies.

LA head coach JJ Redick has a big decision to make when it comes to replacing his superstar guard, amid this ongoing James absence.

More news: Lakers' Luka Doncic to Miss Multiple Games with New Injuries

Redick elevated 6-foot-3 reserve guard Gabe Vincent into his first five so Vincent could take on the toughest opposition point-of-attack assignments on defense. Guard Austin Reaves will likely take on a great on-ball role with Doncic and James both sidelined, while fellow long-term starters Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton seem likely to get more touches than normal.

Some Unique Doncic Alternatives Available to LA

If Redick wants size and shooting, he may explore 3-point specialist combo forward Jake LaRavia — who's 6-foot-7 — as a starting option to supplant the 6-foot-6 Doncic. Should Redick want to explore more defensive help along the perimeter, former 2022 Defensive Player of the Year guard Marcus Smart may be a lethal fit next to Vincent in the backcourt.

Jarred Vanderbilt, an athletic, 6-foot-8 defense-first forward, would give Redick both size and defense, although his scoring is fairly one-dimensional and concentrated almost exclusively around the rack.

More news: Lakers vs Kings Expert Predictions for Capitol Clash

Vanderbilt might cramp Redick's spacing a bit thanks to his offensive limitations, but he'll keep Los Angeles big and offer up the most defensive versatility. It might behoove Redick to at least begin life without Doncic by shoring up the Lakers' size and defense in the starting unit.

Vanderbilt should be the play here, although Redick shouldn't fear a quick whistle if the offense looks too congested.

Latest Lakers News

For more news and notes on the Los Angeles Lakers, visit Los Angeles Lakers on SI.