Luka Doncic (ankle) out vs. Lakers: Who steps up for Mavericks?

The Dallas Mavericks will again be without superstar Luka Doncic on Dec. 15 as they face the Los Angeles Lakers. The 22-year-old re-injured his left ankle against the Pacers on Dec. 10, and Wednesday will be his third straight contest on the sidelines.

The Mavs ruling out their superstar a full day before tipoff suggests Doncic is not close to returning. Dallas is in no rush to bring back after he injured his ankle for the second time in a matter of weeks. Expect the Mavericks to keep him out until the 22-year-old is fully healthy.

Lakers wing Talen Horton-Tucker is out in the health and safety protocols on Wednesday night, and his team canceled practice on Tuesday for a round of tests. Los Angeles could have multiple players on the sidelines as they head to Dallas, but how will the Mavs adjust without Luka?

Luka Doncic (ankle) out vs. Lakers: How will Dallas Mavericks adjust?

The Mavs will continue starting Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 15.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists over the last two contests without LD. Trey Burke will run the second unit as he looks to build on his 22-point performance against the Hornets on Monday night.

Dallas will have Kristaps Porzingis fill the role of number one option on Dec. 15, but Anthony Davis presents a difficult matchup for the Unicorn. It will be interesting to see how the Mavericks attempt to get KP mismatched on Wednesday night.

It will take a total team effort for the Mavs to defeat the Lakers without Luka Doncic. LeBron James is back, and Los Angeles has won three of their last four games as the King has dropped 30 points in each of the victories. The Mavericks will have to slow him down and share the ball to keep their offense rolling on Wednesday night at the American Airlines Center.

Fans should check back to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on Luka Doncic’s injury, plus daily news, opinions, rumors, and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks. The team does not play again until Sunday. Stay tuned for updates as they become available.