Lakers' $16M Veteran Could Be Saving Grace Amid Faltering Season

Deandre Ayton may need to step up with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:57pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Deandre Ayton's ability to thrive in an expanded offensive role could be the key to the Lakers' playoff hopes with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing a difficult situation with star players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both dealing with injuries. In their absence, the team may need to rely heavily on center Deandre Ayton, who is in the first year of a $16 million contract and holds a player option for next season. If Ayton can thrive in an expanded offensive role, he could help the Lakers finish the regular season strong and potentially advance past the first round of the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Lakers' playoff hopes could hinge on Ayton's ability to consistently produce at a high level. A strong finish to the season would not only benefit Ayton individually, but also significantly help the Lakers as they look to make a deep postseason run.

The details

Luka Doncic is currently in Spain receiving an injection in his injured hamstring, while Austin Reaves is out with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury. With LeBron James also missing Tuesday's game, the Lakers have been forced to play without their entire big three. If the Lakers hope to finish the regular season strong and survive the first round of the playoffs, much of the responsibility could fall on Deandre Ayton.

  • Luka Doncic is in Spain on Monday to receive an injection in his injured hamstring.
  • Austin Reaves is out because of a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury.

The players

Luka Doncic

A Los Angeles Lakers star who is currently dealing with a hamstring injury.

Austin Reaves

A Los Angeles Lakers player who is out with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury.

LeBron James

A Los Angeles Lakers star who was also out of Tuesday's game.

Deandre Ayton

A Los Angeles Lakers center who is in the first year of a $16 million contract and holds a player option for next season.

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What they’re saying

“'Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic is in Spain on Monday to receive an injection in his injured hamstring with the hope to promote healing and expedite his return to the court, sources told ESPN.'”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Reporter

“'Though Grade 2 hamstring strains typically involve a monthlong recovery process, Doncic's agent Bill Duffy of WME Basketball said Doncic is motivated to return to the Lakers' lineup during the playoffs -- which is a shared goal for Austin Reaves, who is out because of a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury.'”

— Bill Duffy, Luka Doncic's Agent

“'If Ayton proves that he can thrive in a consistently featured offensive role, then those who have written him off as a player on the outskirts of career stability will be proven wrong. He could either accept his player option or enter free agency in 2026 with a healthier narrative following him and an opportunity for a multi-year contract presented to him. It's a high-pressure situation, but if Ayton is up to the task, then he could help save the Lakers' season and change his career trajectory in one fell swoop.'”

— Maxwell Ogden, Writer

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.