Lakers' playoff hopes clouded by key injuries

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both suffer setbacks ahead of postseason

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:50am

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The Los Angeles Lakers have surged in the standings since the All-Star break, but their playoff hopes have been clouded by injuries to star players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Both players suffered setbacks that could impact the Lakers' postseason chances.

Why it matters

The Lakers are looking to make a deep playoff run after a disappointing regular season, but the injuries to Doncic and Reaves could derail those plans. Their absences will force other players to step up and could impact the team's seeding and matchups in the Western Conference playoffs.

The details

Doncic, the Lakers' leading scorer, suffered a sprained ankle that will sideline him for at least two weeks. Reaves, a key role player, is dealing with a hamstring strain that will keep him out for an undetermined amount of time. Both injuries occurred in recent games, dealing a blow to the Lakers' momentum as they jockey for playoff position.

  • Doncic's ankle injury occurred on April 2nd.
  • Reaves' hamstring strain happened on April 4th.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star player and leading scorer, who is sidelined with a sprained ankle.

Austin Reaves

A key role player for the Lakers who is dealing with a hamstring strain.

Los Angeles Lakers

The NBA team that is currently the third seed in the Western Conference standings but faces uncertainty with the injuries to Doncic and Reaves.

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What they’re saying

“Losing Luka and Austin at this point in the season is a tough blow, but we have to find a way to overcome it. Our guys will need to step up and fill those roles.”

— Darvin Ham, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers will monitor the recovery timelines for both Doncic and Reaves and determine their availability for the start of the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Lakers' playoff hopes have been complicated by the injuries to their star player Luka Doncic and key role player Austin Reaves. Their absences will test the depth and resilience of the Lakers roster as they try to secure a favorable playoff seed and position themselves for a deep postseason run.