Lakers injury update: Luka Dončić expected to play Sunday, Austin Reaves remains questionable

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers are finding ways to win, and they're doing it at a level few expected this early in the season.

Despite a handful of injury concerns coming out of their latest road victory in Milwaukee, the Lakers enter the weekend riding a seven-game winning streak and sitting at 11-2, tied with the San Antonio Spurs for the best record in the NBA.

The Lakers are one of just five teams across the league to reach double-digit wins this season. The Spurs, meanwhile, have put together an impressive run of their own, winning 11 consecutive games after opening the season with back-to-back losses.

The Lakers have enjoyed three days off since Wednesday's 123-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, giving the team some much-needed time to recover ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns in Arizona.

Following Saturday's practice, head coach JJ Redick provided several updates on the team's injury situation, with the biggest concern surrounding the health of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

Dončić expected to be available Sunday

The biggest sigh of relief for Lakers fans comes with Dončić, who is expected to be available Sunday after suffering a right ankle injury late in the fourth quarter against Milwaukee.

Doncic injured his ankle when Kyle Kuzma contested one of his three-point attempts, raising some immediate concerns as the Lakers closed out their seventh consecutive victory.

However, the early signs have been encouraging.

Dončić reportedly woke up Thursday morning without experiencing any pain, and Redick said he expects him to be available against Phoenix.

The update is particularly important considering what Dončić has meant to this team through the opening stretch of the season.

He's leading the NBA with 38.6 points per game and has quickly established himself as the centerpiece and leader of a Lakers team that has exceeded expectations. The Lakers have found a rhythm on both ends of the floor, with its offensive firepower and defensive consistency helping fuel its impressive start.

Keeping Dončić healthy will obviously be a priority as the Lakers look to maintain their position near the top of the Western Conference.

Austin Reaves remains day-to-day with a left heel bruise

While Dončić's outlook is encouraging, Reaves remains a question mark heading into Sunday.

Redick confirmed Saturday that Reaves is dealing with a bruise on his left heel and remains day-to-day. The Lakers guard did not participate in practice on Saturday, and his availability against the Suns will be determined when the team's injury report is released later Saturday evening.

Redick also clarified that Reaves did not undergo imaging on Friday.

According to Redick, the decision was made collectively between the team and Reaves, as they did not believe imaging was necessary at this point.

When practice ended on Saturday, Reaves was seen sitting on the bench off to the side wearing slides, although there was no wrap or walking boot on his left foot.

The injury is worth monitoring given Reaves' importance to the Lakers' offensive production.

He's averaging 24.7 points, 4.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game this season, providing another reliable scoring option alongside Dončić. His ability to create offense, make plays and take pressure off the team's primary ball handlers has been a major factor in the Lakers' early success.

If Reaves is unable to go Sunday, the Lakers would have to make adjustments to its backcourt rotation.

Collin Sexton available after receiving stitches for 11th time

There was also some positive news surrounding Collin Sexton.

Redick confirmed that Sexton was a full participant in Saturday's practice, putting him in a good position to be available against Phoenix.

Sexton spoke following practice, sporting a giant bandage and a black eye after suffering a cut to his forehead in Milwaukee that required stitches.

When asked about his reaction to the play that caused the injury, Sexton jokingly responded, "Here we go again."

It turns out this wasn't his first experience with facial stitches. In fact, Sexton revealed that it was the 11th time in his career that he has needed stitches to his face.

Asked where he gets his toughness, Sexton credited his upbringing.

"I think that's something that I carried growing up."

Sexton also confirmed that he will not wear a mask for Sunday's game, although he plans to wear glasses to protect the cut.

Beyond his toughness, Sexton has become an important piece of the Lakers' second unit this season. His energy, confidence and ability to attack offensively have provided a valuable spark whenever Dončić and Reaves head to the bench.

He also discussed his developing pick-and-roll chemistry with Sandro Mamukelashvili, emphasizing the confidence the coaching staff and his teammates have placed in the big man.

"Everyone is believing in him, telling him to shoot. Whenever he feels like it's an open shot, don't pass up any, let it fly."

It's that type of confidence and encouragement that has helped the Lakers build chemistry throughout the roster.

Looking ahead to Phoenix

The Lakers have plenty of reasons to feel good about where they stand.

An 11-2 record, a seven-game winning streak and the league's best scoring player leading the way have put the Lakers in an excellent position to open the season.

But Sunday's matchup against Phoenix will provide another opportunity to see how this group handles adversity and manages its health as the schedule continues.

The good news is that Dončić's ankle appears to be in a good place, and Sexton is expected to be available after participating fully in practice.

Reaves remains the biggest question mark, with his status expected to become clearer once the official injury report is released Saturday evening.

For now, the Lakers appear to have avoided a potentially significant setback in Milwaukee.

And with the way this team has been playing, getting closer to full strength could make an already impressive start even more dangerous.