Luka Dončić Out Monday... and How Much Longer? Plus, the Lakers Fill Their Last Roster Spot With Kobe Bufkin

The Lakers will be without Luka Dončić on Monday against the Thunder. But the good news is, at least according ot JJ Redick, the Lakers may not be without him for that long. Luka appears to have dodged the worst outcomes, and is considered day-to-day. 

No question, the Lakers are going to be cautious with him, so it's certainly possible he'll sit out the final three games before the All-Star break. But between the week-plus from the injury to the break, then another week-plus during the break, there's currently no reason to believe Luka won't be available once games start up again. 

That, it goes without saying, is huge. 

Moreover, the Lakers will have Deandre Ayton in the lineup, after he missed Saturday's game against the Warriors. And the Lakers have Luke Kennard in the fold, who was excellent Saturday in his debut, and gives the Lakers a badly needed dimension of excellent shooting and secondary playmaking, which becomes even more valuable as the Lakers hunt for buckets without Luka. Maxi Kleber, who has been in and out of the lineup all year, is coming off of his two best games of the season, doing all sorts of little things that help teams win (and make coaches happy). Add to that the Lakers having a full roster, having signed Kobe Bufkin to that 15th and final roster spot. 

That last part- the Bufkin signing - was a little controversial among Lakers fans, many of whom hoped the Lakers would find more help in the buyout market, and bring in a more established name. 

That's not totally off the board, but it's off the board for a while at least. 

So all in all, are the Lakers better set to get by without Dončić for (potentially) three more games? 

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky 

SEGMENT 1: No Luka -- how long will he be out? 

SEGMENT 2: Kennard's debut and what he brings. 

SEGMENT 3: Kobe Bufkin? 

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Turbo Tax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Take taxes off your plate and get back to your life. 
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. 
 

ZocDoc
Stop putting off th