Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic came back early and instantly went off after being ruled out for one week with finger and leg injuries. He missed just five days and picked up right where he left off to start the season. Number 77 had a 44-point double-double in a 117-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies to open the 2025 NBA Cup.
Fans were filled with dread when Luka’s injury was announced. LeBron James still hasn’t played this season, and everyone knows how difficult the Western Conference is. Thankfully, Austin Reaves went to another level with the two superstars out as the Lakers won two of the three games.
Now, Luka is back and picking up right where he left off. Doncic was averaging 46.0 points per game before the injuries. The 26-year-old is in the best shape of his life, but there was plenty of worry about his latest lower leg injury after Luka suffered multiple calf strains in recent years. Doncic put all the fears to rest on Friday night.
Luka Doncic is healthy and unstoppable
It didn’t take Doncic long to find his footing. He nailed his signature stepback 3-pointer early in the first quarter.
👋 Hey Luka!
He knocks down the stepback 3 for his first points of the night!
🏆 LAL-MEM • West Group B
📺 @emirates NBA Cup on Prime: https://t.co/lAVgBCLkLz pic.twitter.com/kvM4gJDiGv
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2025
The Don had 13 points and four rebounds in the opening 12 minutes, and he was not done there. The Lakers had a nightmare second quarter where the Grizzlies scored 42 and seemingly didn’t miss. Other than that, this was the Luka show. Doncic finished with 44 points, 12 rebounds, six assists in 39 minutes of action. He made 14 of his 27 field goal attempts. Doncic shockingly lowered his season scoring average, but was still absolutely unstoppable.
He was seen shaking his hand a few times, but it did not slow him down. The leg injury was non-existent. Doncic made six 3-pointers and clearly had his scoring touch on the road in Memphis. This was his third straight 40-point double-double to open this season.
Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka because they didn’t think he would stay healthy or get in peak condition. Doncic answered the latter in the offseason and just shook off a minor injury to return ahead of schedule. This is all as former Lakers star Anthony Davis just suffered a calf injury for the Mavs. Luka is making Harrison look foolish again, and Lakers fans aren’t even a little surprised.
This was the Lakers' opening game of the 2025 NBA Cup. LA took the early lead in West Group B and hope to be the first team ever to win the competition multiple times. Luka is still looking for his first title, and this could be the Lakers chance to make an early statement.
Los Angeles Lakers fans don’t have to worry about Luka Doncic’s injuries. The 26-year-old is healthy and ready to lead the franchise. Expect Los Angeles to start stacking wins, especially with a relatively easy November schedule ahead. The Lakers face just four 2025 playoff teams in their next 13 games. With Doncic healthy and LeBron on the mend, expect LA to make a statement.