Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic avoided a major scare on Wednesday, but a medical expert has outlined a wide range of possible recovery timelines for his ankle injury.
Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT, analyzed the play after the Lakers star landed on Kyle Kuzma's foot late in the fourth quarter of Los Angeles' 123-112 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
"Unfortunately, Luka came down on Kuzma's foot," Jeffries noted, adding that it was "likely an inversion ankle sprain" and expressing hope that the injury is minor.
According to Jeffries, the potential recovery period heavily depends on the severity of the sprain.
A Grade I injury could leave Doncic day-to-day or sidelined for up to two weeks, while a Grade II sprain typically carries a recovery timeline of approximately three to six weeks.
The injury occurred with just over four minutes remaining after Luka took a jumper over Kuzma and landed on the Bucks forward's foot. His right ankle rolled underneath him, sending him to the floor in visible pain.
He remained down briefly before getting back up, shooting the ensuing free throw, and then heading to the locker room.
Lakers offer encouraging Luka Doncic update
Initial comments from both Doncic and Lakers head coach JJ Redick were considerably more optimistic.
"I think [Doncic] is fine," Redick said after the game. "Just a light tweak."
Doncic also downplayed the issue.
"Obviously, it's painful a bit, but I'll be fine," he told reporters.
Before exiting, Doncic once again led the Lakers, finishing with 32 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals in 32 minutes. Los Angeles secured its seventh consecutive victory and improved to 11-2.
The performance continued Doncic's insane start to the 2026-27 season. Over 11 games, he is averaging 38.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.6 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field and 40.8% from deep.
Luka has now scored at least 30 points in nine consecutive appearances.
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