Lakers Prepare for Playoffs Without Doncic, Reaves

Top scorers still out indefinitely with hamstring, oblique injuries

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the intensity and uncertainty of the Lakers' playoff situation.Injuries to the Lakers' top scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves create a fractured, uncertain path forward as the team prepares for the playoffs.El Segundo Today

Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will not return from their respective injuries in time for the start of the team's first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Coach JJ Redick confirmed that both players are out indefinitely, leaving the Lakers without their top two scorers as they begin their postseason run.

Why it matters

The absences of Doncic and Reaves, who combined to average over 56 points per game this season, will be a major blow to the Lakers' playoff hopes. However, the team has found ways to win without the duo, going 3-2 in their recent absence, with LeBron James taking on an even bigger role in the offense.

The details

Doncic strained his hamstring and Reaves strained his oblique during the Lakers' loss to the Thunder on April 2. Doncic will return to Los Angeles on Friday after traveling to Spain for treatment, while Reaves remains in LA and has been shooting free throws with teammates. The Lakers have not provided timelines for the players' recoveries, but hamstring and oblique injuries often require at least a month of healing.

  • Doncic and Reaves were injured during the Lakers' loss to the Thunder on April 2.
  • Doncic will return to Los Angeles on Friday after traveling to Spain for treatment.
  • The Lakers host the Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' leading scorer, who strained his hamstring during the team's loss to the Thunder on April 2.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' second-leading scorer, who strained his oblique during the same game against the Thunder.

JJ Redick

The Lakers' head coach, who confirmed that Doncic and Reaves are out indefinitely.

LeBron James

The Lakers' veteran star who has taken on an even bigger role in the offense with Doncic and Reaves out.

Marcus Smart

The Lakers' guard who is eager to play a role in countering the Rockets' defensive pressure.

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What they’re saying

“'They're out indefinitely. I'm not going to have an update for you this week.'”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Coach

“'They're aggressive, and we're going to try to use it against them. We've got some things put in, some different guys that are going to bring it up. They're going to come out firing, and we've got to come out firing, too.'”

— Marcus Smart, Lakers Guard

“'I was going to play no matter what. If I was hurting, I'd be playing.'”

— Jaxson Hayes, Lakers Backup Center

What’s next

The Lakers will host the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday night without their top two scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The team will need to rely on LeBron James and other role players to step up in their absence.

The takeaway

The Lakers' playoff hopes have taken a major hit with the indefinite absences of Doncic and Reaves, their top two scorers. However, the team has shown it can win without the duo, and LeBron James will need to lead the way as the Lakers try to advance in the postseason.