The Lakers are expecting Luka Doncic to be on the floor Sunday against the Suns, but Austin Reaves is still a question mark after leaving Wednesday’s win over the Bucks with a heel injury.
Coach JJ Redick said Friday that Doncic’s ankle issue doesn’t appear to be a problem for the matchup in Phoenix. Doncic turned his ankle late in the win over Milwaukee, but the team’s read is positive.
“Luka is fine,” Redick said Friday, via Mark Medina, as relayed by Fadeaway World. “The expectation would be that he’s available.”
Reaves’ situation is less settled. He exited after landing awkwardly on a dunk attempt, and the Lakers chose not to send him for more imaging on the injured heel.
“AR is based on his physical evaluation and how he was feeling yesterday. We opted against imaging; he’ll be day-to-day,” Redick said. “We’ll have him on the report tomorrow at 5:00.”
That leaves Reaves listed as day-to-day for now, with his status for Sunday still to be determined. He has been one of the Lakers’ biggest offensive engines, averaging 24.7 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 51.3% from the field. Having him available would let the Lakers keep their top two scorers together after an 11-2 start.
Redick also gave an update on Collin Sexton, who collided with Ryan Rollins against the Bucks and needed stitches above his right eye.
“Collin is in the same boat. Concussion’s been ruled out; he ended up getting stitches, and he’ll be day-to-day,” Redick said.
Quentin Grimes also made progress after spraining a finger.
“Q was able to do the live part of the stay-ready game,” Redick said.
The Lakers now have Saturday to see how each player responds before heading to Phoenix. Doncic is trending in the right direction, while the rest of the injury picture will determine how much help he has around him.
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