The Los Angeles Lakers had a tough preseason, managing to win just one out of six games, and as a result, their fans feared the team might struggle to find its groove. But as the 2025–26 NBA regular season tipped off, the Lakers quickly began to silence the doubters as they won three of their first five contests. Those victories haven’t come without adversity, including injuries to Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
Now, as the Lakers gear up for the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 31, fans are wondering whether Dončić will return to the lineup.
Will Luka Dončić Suit Up Against the Memphis Grizzlies?
As per the latest injury report from ESPN, Dončić has been listed as “questionable” due to a left finger sprain. It’s that finger sprain, combined with a contusion on his lower left leg, that prevented him from playing in the last three games, a notable absence for Los Angeles.
Even with the recent slowdown, Dončić has been a transformative force for the Lakers in the early going, averaging 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 8.5 assists while shooting 62.0% from the field and 31.8% from deep in two games.
The opening week was historic as Dončić scored 40-plus points in each contest with double-digit boards and at least five assists, totaling 92 points and 23 rebounds. That’s the superstar engine Los Angeles built this offense around.
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However, Dončić isn’t the only Laker dealing with injuries. The latest report lists several key players on the injury list, including:
- Marcus Smart – Questionable (Quadriceps Issue)
- Adou Thiero – Out (Knee Issue)
- Gabe Vincent – Out (Ankle Issue)
- Maxi Kleber – Out (Oblique Strain)
- LeBron James – Out (Sciatica)
So, who carries the load if Dončić is limited or sits? Austin Reaves, who is averaging 34.2 points per game, will need to shoulder even more creation. Expect the Lakers to funnel possessions through Reaves in high ball screens and live at the free-throw line.
Now let’s look at the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies Injury Report
Much like Los Angeles, Memphis will also enter the Halloween matchup shorthanded. As per the latest ESPN injury report, the players on the injury list are:
- Ty Jerome – Out (Calf Issue)
- Scotty Pippen Jr. – Out (Toe Injury)
- Brandon Clarke – Out (Knee Synovitis)
- Zach Edey – Out
Even so, the Grizzlies have opened the regular season at 3–2, leaning on the two-way efforts of Ja Morant and the interior/defensive presence of Jaren Jackson Jr., who are averaging 23.4 and 17.6 points per game, respectively.
Expect Memphis to pressure the ball, pound the glass, and hunt transition chances off live-ball turnovers.