The Los Angeles Lakers have listed Luka Doncic as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons because of lower back tightness.
The designation was reported Saturday by the Lakers, a day after Doncic scored 53 points against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Doncic previously missed the Oct. 28 Clippers game with back tightness. He has not been ruled out against Detroit.
The Lakers face another quick turnaround after Sunday, with a game in Atlanta on Monday. Saturday’s designation applies to the Pistons matchup.
Luka Doncic injury update for Lakers vs. Pistons
| Player | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | Questionable | Lower back tightness |
The potential absence comes during a prolific stretch for Doncic. He is now averaging 40.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists through nine appearances.
Luka Dončić, now averaging 40.1 points per game with 7.8 boards and 7.7 assists plus 1.7 steals, also leads the NBA in charges drawn (4) and is a +140 in 9 games (Lakers have outscored their opponents by 140 when he’s on the court).
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) November 7, 2026
Against Portland, Doncic finished with 53 points, five rebounds and five assists. Austin Reaves added 25 points and four steals, while Walker Kessler contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Doncic and Reaves combined for 78 points. If Doncic cannot play Sunday, Reaves would be the natural candidate to handle more of the offense, with Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton among the other ball-handling options.
Redick has been working to share Doncic’s workload
Earlier this week, JJ Redick explained how the Lakers were using other ball handlers and off-ball screens to ease the pressure on Doncic. The approach allows teammates to initiate possessions before getting him the ball in position to attack.
Redick also identified Reaves, Grimes and Sexton among the players he wanted driving into the paint. A Doncic absence would put more responsibility on that group to create scoring chances rather than simply help him get into the offense.
No replacement starter was identified in Saturday’s reported injury update. The Lakers’ next availability decision will determine whether Redick needs to adjust his starting group against Detroit.
Sunday’s game tips off at 3 p.m. Pacific, with Monday’s Atlanta game scheduled for 4 p.m. Pacific.
