Luka Doncic's injury update: Will Lakers star play against Detroit

Luka Dončić has been the talk of the NBA following a strong start with the Los Angeles Lakers this season.

Dončić and the Lakers are currently in first place in the Western Conference with an 8-2 record and lead the league in points scored, averaging 122 per game through the first 10 games this season.

Dončić has positioned himself as the leading candidate for MVP early this season. He's averaged 40.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists in nine games played.

The point guard's health will be something to monitor this weekend after appearing on the latest status report.

He was listed as questionable on Saturday, Nov. 7 for the Lakers' game against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, Nov. 8.

The Pistons have allowed the fewest opponent points per game this season, giving up an average of 101.8 points per game through their first eight games. Detroit is third in the Eastern Conference.

The two-time NBA scoring champion is coming off a 53-point performance in a 124-118 win against the Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Cup action on Friday, Nov. 6.

Luka Dončić injury update

Dončić is listed as questionable with back tightness for the second time this season.

The six-time All-NBA player missed one game this season due to back tightness the day after playing against Portland in late October.

Luka Dončić injury history

Dončić does have a history of back injuries during his career. Before this season, he was most recently listed with a back injury in March 2025. He was also listed with back-related injuries during the 2019, 2021 and 2024 seasons.

Where does Luka Dončić rank among NBA's best?

Dončić enters his third season with the Lakers as the unquestioned star and leader. His accomplishments and achievements are why he was ranked No. 4 on USA TODAY Sports' top 100 player rankings ahead of the 2026-27 season.

MORE: Can Lakers' unquestioned star Luka Dončić step up to be face of NBA?

When do Lakers play next?

The Lakers will travel to play the Pistons on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. ET. It will be the first game of a back-to-back and the first of four straight road games for the Lakers. Los Angeles has won its last four games.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luka Doncic's injury update: Will Lakers star play against Detroit