The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to improve to 4-2 in Friday's NBA Cup West Group B matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, and one of their star players could return to the court.
Luka Doncic has been upgraded to probable for Friday's contest following a three-game absence due to a sprained finger and a left leg contusion, per the NBA's official injury report.
Doncic was initially expected to miss at least a week dating back to Sunday, though he now appears poised to return. The five-time All-Star didn't travel with the team on its road trip, though he joined the Lakers in Memphis and was seen participating in Friday's morning shootaround, according to Khobi Price of The Orange County Register.
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Luka Doncic likely to return vs. Grizzlies
If he's ultimately cleared to suit up, Doncic will look to pick up right where he left off. In Los Angeles’ first two regular-season games, the superstar averaged a whopping 46.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists in 38.0 minutes per game.
While LeBron James will remain sidelined as he recovers from sciatica on his right side, Austin Reaves and the Lakers will hope Doncic's return provides a major spark. His potential comeback would also likely push Jake LaRavia back to the bench.
Doncic's status will still be worth monitoring ahead of tipoff at 9:30 p.m. ET, though his upgraded designation bodes well for his chances of playing. It wouldn't be surprising if the Lakers monitored his playing time after the absence — another storyline to watch as the Lakers’ first NBA Cup game approaches.
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