Lakers Face Luka Doncic Uncertainty Ahead of Major Road Test Against Pistons

JJ Redick’s squad looks to keep its momentum rolling as a demanding road matchup awaits Sunday.

Nov 6, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after being given a technical foul during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Lakers have now won four straight games, with superstar guard Luka Doncic lighting up the scoreboard during that span.

Doncic is coming off his best scoring performance of the 2026-27 NBA season thus far, torching the visiting Portland Trail Blazers for a season-high 53 points at Crypto.com Arena.

However, following the team’s eighth win of the season, Doncic was listed on the Lakers’ injury report.

Luka Doncic is Questionable to Face Pistons in Detroit

On Saturday, Doncic’s name appeared on the team’s injury report, as he is reportedly dealing with back tightness, which could keep him sidelined for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

Luka Doncic is QUESTIONABLE for tomorrow’s game against the Pistons pic.twitter.com/lp8vsy60xW

— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) November 7, 2026

Although he hasn’t been ruled out yet, Doncic potentially missing Sunday’s road matchup is unfortunate timing. 

Facing the Pistons in Detroit will be arguably the toughest test the Lakers have faced all season, and without Doncic on the floor, things change drastically for the storied franchise.

Austin Reaves Will Have to Step Up in Luka's Absence

With Doncic potentially stuck on the bench in street clothes on Sunday, the Lakers will turn to Austin Reaves to shoulder the load as the leader of this new-look Lakers roster, which is a role he's taken on many times in the past.

Reaves is more than capable of being the head of the snake against the Pistons, but it will be a tough challenge to say the least, with Cade Cunningham and company being among the best teams in the league, especially on the defensive end of the basketball floor.

Third-year head coach JJ Redick will almost certaintly lean heavily on Reaves to lead the charge on Sunday, with hopes the Lakers, who have won four straight games, can pull out a win on the road in Detroit.

As if potentially not having Doncic for Sunday's game wasn't bad enough, the Lakers will play the second game of a back-to-back on Monday, traveling down south to take on the Atlanta Hawks.

There's a decent chance that the Lakers' brass made the decision for Doncic not to play on Sunday in order to have him ready for Monday in Atlanta.

Doncic is currently leading the league in scoring, averaging an incredible 40.1 points per game and already making a strong case to win his first NBA MVP award.

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