Lakers get encouraging Luka Doncic update after ankle scare

The Lakers received some encouraging news about Luka Doncic a day after their seventh straight victory.

Doncic woke up without pain Thursday after tweaking his ankle during Wednesday’s 123-112 win over the Bucks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

“One source told me today that Luka Doncic woke up with no pain. He’s feeling good; he’s going to go through his normal treatment process leading up to Sunday’s game in Phoenix,” Charania said, via Malik Brown of ClutchPoints.

Doncic remained in the game after the fourth-quarter injury and finished with 32 points, five rebounds and five assists. He said afterward that he “should be fine” for the Lakers’ next game.

The latest report supports that optimism, though it does not represent an official determination of his availability Sunday.

Austin Reaves’ status is less certain. He exited Wednesday’s game in the third quarter with a left heel injury, and coach JJ Redick said afterward that initial X-rays were negative, with additional imaging planned.

The Lakers improved to 11-2 with the victory, but potentially losing Reaves would test a backcourt that has helped drive their strong start. Doncic addressed that possibility after the game.

“I think we just gotta have next-man-up mentality,” he said. “You know, obviously, we lose a very, very good player. Hopefully it’s nothing. We gotta have next-man-up mentality.”

The Lakers have three days between games to assess both players. For Doncic, at least, the first update is a welcome one.

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