Los Angeles Lakers will begin their first-round playoff series severely undermanned, with star duo Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves ruled out indefinitely due to injuries.
Head coach JJ Redick confirmed the setback following Tuesday’s practice, offering little optimism about their immediate return. “They’re out indefinitely,” Redick said. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week.”
Dončić has been sidelined with a hamstring strain suffered during the Lakers’ April 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, while Reaves picked up an oblique injury in the same game. Neither player featured again in the regular season, and both now appear unlikely to participate in the opening round against the Houston Rockets.
The absence of the Lakers’ top two scorers is a massive blow. Together, Dončić and Reaves averaged an impressive 56.8 points, 13.8 assists, and 12.4 rebounds per game this season, forming the backbone of the team’s offense.
Despite the setback, Los Angeles showed resilience late in the regular season, going 3-2 without the injured pair. Veteran leader LeBron James stepped up to shoulder the offensive load, once again becoming the focal point of the team.
There are also signs of reinforcements within the squad. Guard Marcus Smart has returned after missing nearly three weeks with an ankle injury and is expected to play a key role against Houston’s high-pressure defense. “They’re aggressive, and we’re going to try to use it against them,” Smart said, expressing confidence in the team’s adjusted game plan.
Additionally, backup center Jaxson Hayes is fit again after resting a foot injury, adding depth to the Lakers’ rotation ahead of Game 1 on Saturday night in Los Angeles.
Dončić is expected back in Los Angeles later this week after undergoing treatment in Spain, though the team has remained tight-lipped about his recovery timeline. Reaves, meanwhile, has resumed light activity, including shooting free throws after practice, but his return remains uncertain.
With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Lakers must now rely on depth, experience, and leadership to overcome the absence of their two biggest stars against a hungry Rockets side.
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