Lakers’ Luka Doncic Upgraded Ahead of Matchup With Grizzlies

Oct 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard Luka Doncic has been upgraded ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies matchup on Friday.

Doncic is now listed as questionable with a left finger sprain and lower left leg contusion.

Luka Doncic (finger, leg) questionable for Friday.

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) October 30, 2025

Doncic has missed the last three games for the purple and gold due to his two injuries. He suffered the finger injury on Friday, early in the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, he stood in the game and finished with 49 points.

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When he suffered a lower left leg contusion, it is unclear, but it could have been on Friday as well.

The 26-year-old has only played in two games for LA this season, going 1-1. However, the Lakers have held down the fort in the meantime, posting a 2-1 record without Doncic and LeBron James in the lineup.

In two games this season, Doncic has averaged 46.0 points per game, 11.5 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 62 percent from the field and 31.8 percent from three in 38 minutes of action.

If the Lakers could get back Doncic earlier than expected, that would be a huge boost for LA and put them in a better position to improve to 4-2 on Friday.

The injury report on Doncic is excellent news for LA, and so is the report on guard Marcus Smart, who was also upgraded to questionable.

Injury report ahead of Friday’s NBA Cup opener at Memphis: pic.twitter.com/xw1wiRmOHC

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) October 30, 2025

The Lakers upgraded Smart as well with a right quad contusion. The 31-year-old guard missed the last two games with this injury, and there is a chance that streak could end Friday.

Smart suffered the injury on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings. He missed the second night of a back-to-back on Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers and Wednesday's contests against the Timberwolves.

The Lakers could get major reinforcement at the guard position, but if not, expect to continue seeing Nick Smith Jr. and Bronny James off the bench.

While the Lakers could welcome back two players, they will remain without four: Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, Adou Thiero and James.

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Vincent will miss his third consecutive game and counting, as he was ruled out for two to four weeks with an ankle injury. As for James, Kleber and Thiero, they have yet to make their season debuts as they continue to deal with their respective injuries.

The Lakers will take on the Grizzlies for their first contest of the NBA Cup. Tip off is at 6:30 p.m. PT

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