DETROIT -- Luka Doncic was ruled out Sunday because of tightness in his lower back, leaving the Los Angeles Lakers without the NBA's leading scorer against the Detroit Pistons.
Doncic has enjoyed a historically great start to the season, averaging 40.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game as Los Angeles is tied for the best record in the Western Conference at 8-2.
The Pistons also announced Sunday that All-Star center Jalen Duren, sidelined since last month with a right hamstring strain, will be reevaluated in two weeks.
Sunday is the first leg of a four-game road trip for the Lakers, continuing Monday for the second night of a back-to-back against the Atlanta Hawks followed by the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday and Phoenix Suns next Sunday.
Doncic has missed one other game to start the season, also because of lower back tightness and in a back-to-back scenario. The Lakers won that game 103-87 against the LA Clippers.