Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty) Luka Doncic’s status is the main question heading into the Los Angeles Lakers’ December 28, 2025 game against the Sacramento Kings. Ongoing lower-leg and finger injuries have followed him for weeks, and while he has not been officially ruled out, his availability remains uncertain as tipoff approaches.For the Lakers, already short-handed, his presence carries extra importance. With injuries affecting multiple rotation players, the team needs stability on offense. Fans at Crypto.com Arena are waiting to see whether Doncic can once again play through discomfort and lead a roster missing key pieces.
Luka Doncic’s Injury history leading into the Kings game (December 28, 2025)
Luka Doncic’s most recent setback came on December 20 against the Clippers, when a left leg contusion forced him to leave the game at halftime. The injury sidelined him briefly and raised concerns about how much he could handle down the stretch of the month.That issue followed a left finger sprain suffered in late October, which cost him roughly a week and kept him out of an earlier matchup with Sacramento. Even after returning, the finger has remained taped during games. Despite that limitation, he delivered one of his best performances of the season with a 49-point night against Minnesota. By late December, he has been back in the lineup regularly, including on Christmas Day against Houston, carrying a probable or available designation while continuing to log heavy minutes.
Context of the December 28 Lakers vs Kings matchup
The Los Angeles Lakers host the Kings looking to stop a rough run of results. Sacramento enters the game with an 8–23 record and is dealing with its own injury problems. Keegan Murray is out with a calf injury, and Domantas Sabonis is sidelined due to a knee issue, leaving the Kings short in the frontcourt.Los Angeles faces similar challenges. Several rotation players appear on the injury report, including Jaxson Hayes, forcing the Lakers to rely heavily on their remaining healthy contributors. The game shapes up as less about ideal matchups and more about which team can manage limited depth more effectively.
Luka Doncic’s on-court importance
When Luka Doncic plays, his impact against Sacramento is consistent. Even in past meetings affected by minor injuries during his time in Dallas, he has produced across the board, combining scoring, rebounding, and playmaking.With the Lakers, his role has expanded further. Entering the game, he is averaging 34.1 points per game on 45.8 percent shooting, serving as the team’s primary offensive option. With LeBron James missing time this season, Doncic has taken on more responsibility, helping steady the offense and creating opportunities for players like Austin Reaves.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Sacramento Kings Viewing details (December 28, 2025)
The game is scheduled to tip off around 9:30 PM ET at Crypto.com Arena and will air on ESPN, NBA TV, and Spectrum SportsNet. Streaming options include NBA League Pass and Fubo, with attention centered on whether Doncic is available and how his health factors into the matchup.