Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić is expected to be sidelined for at least a week with a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion. Dončić was initially listed as questionable for L.A.'s game against the Sacramento Kings Sunday night, but will instead head to the injury list.

Luka Dončić continues to etch his name into the Lakers’ history books and the early 2025-26 MVP conversation. Here's how it went.

Dončić is still just 26 years old, but he understands the responsibilities inherent in his role as the centerpiece of the Lakers’ next era, and he’s trying to meet them. He played a role in improving the Lakers’ roster during the summer by lobbying Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to join him.

On Tuesday as they began their season, Luka Dončić greeted the crowd from midcourt pregame. He was easily the Lakers’ best and most important player — 43 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists in nearly 41 minutes to start a year in which plenty of people believe he can win his first Most Valuable Player.