Lakers' Title Hopes Tested by Injuries to Doncic, Reaves

Anthony Davis discusses team's championship aspirations and impact of key player absences

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:56am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, vibrant colors that captures the dynamic energy and tension of a high-stakes NBA playoff matchup, with the shapes and planes representing the challenges the Lakers face due to key player injuries.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes playoff battle ahead for the Lakers, with key injuries testing their championship mettle.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis shared his thoughts on the team's title aspirations, praising the play of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic before the latter went down with a hamstring injury. Davis also discussed the Lakers' injury woes, including the absence of Doncic and guard Austin Reaves, and how the team plans to approach the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Lakers' championship hopes have been dealt a significant blow with the injuries to Doncic and Reaves. Davis' comments provide insight into how the team is handling the adversity and their mindset heading into the postseason.

The details

In a recent podcast appearance, Davis praised Doncic's offensive skills and said he had fantasized about playing alongside the Mavericks star. However, Doncic's grade 2 hamstring strain has sidelined him, along with Reaves' oblique injury, leaving the Lakers shorthanded. Head coach JJ Redick plans to use the final regular-season games to determine the team's playoff rotation.

  • Doncic is currently in Madrid, Spain, seeking alternative treatment for his hamstring injury.
  • Reaves is expected to miss at least four weeks of action due to his oblique injury.

The players

Anthony Davis

A forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who has discussed the team's title hopes and the impact of key injuries.

Luka Doncic

The star player for the Dallas Mavericks who is currently sidelined with a grade 2 hamstring strain.

Austin Reaves

A guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who is expected to miss at least four weeks due to an oblique injury.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who is planning to use the final regular-season games to determine the team's playoff rotation.

LeBron James

The star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who Davis discussed as a comparison for Doncic's abilities.

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What they’re saying

“Luka is so cold, bro. We used to talk about Luka all the time. At the time, I wasn't sure what Bron [LeBron James] was gonna do. I was just saying in general, the next thing as far as what he can do, who can be close to Bron, was Luka as far like the height, the passing ability, to score. All that as far as helping my game.”

— Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Forward

“I had the Lakers [as title contenders] before this Luka and Austin thing happened.”

— Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers Forward

“You obviously have to tackle the situation in front of you, that we have — a unique situation in front of us. And we've got to prepare our team, our group that we're going to have available to play in the playoffs series. … How we approach next week leading into Game 1, it's finding who's going to be able to play in the playoffs for us. … The seeding part probably went out the window after the OKC game.”

— JJ Redick, Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

Doncic is currently seeking alternative treatment in Madrid, Spain, in hopes of rejoining the Lakers for the playoffs. The team will use the final three regular-season games to determine their playoff rotation with Reaves expected to miss at least four weeks.

The takeaway

The Lakers' championship aspirations have been tested by key injuries to Doncic and Reaves, forcing the team to adapt their approach and playoff preparations. Davis' praise of Doncic's talent underscores the significance of the Mavericks star's absence, while Redick's comments highlight the Lakers' need to find the right lineup and rotation to overcome these challenges.