Luka out vs. Nuggets due to calf, ankle injuries

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic won't face the Denver Nuggets on Friday due to calf injury management and an ankle sprain, the team announced.

Doncic will sit on the second night of a back-to-back after logging 36 minutes in the Lakers' loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. It'll be his second absence since joining the franchise.

Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent are also doubtful with respective ankle and knee injuries.

Additionally, LeBron James will miss his third straight game due to a groin strain. Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes are also amid multi-game absences.

Doncic is averaging 26.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 1.8 steals in 13 contests with the franchise.

The Lakers have lost three straight games, falling to the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, and Bucks.