Lakers Await Dončić's Playoff Availability After Overseas Treatment

Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves' injuries leave the Lakers shorthanded heading into the postseason.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:55pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, representing the fractured state of the Lakers' playoff outlook due to Luka Dončić's injury.Luka Dončić's injury absence leaves the Lakers' playoff hopes in a state of fragmented uncertainty.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing uncertainty around the availability of star guard Luka Dončić and key reserve Austin Reaves as they prepare for their first-round playoff matchup against the Houston Rockets. Dončić has spent the past week in Spain receiving specialized treatment for a Grade 2 hamstring strain, while Reaves is also sidelined indefinitely with a Grade 2 oblique strain. The Lakers' playoff outlook will largely depend on Dončić's recovery progress, as he is set to rejoin the team this week but his status for the start of the postseason remains unclear.

Why it matters

Dončić's absence would be a major blow for the Lakers, as he led the league in scoring during the regular season and is the centerpiece of their offense. The team has already ruled him out for the remainder of the regular season, and his return timeline remains uncertain. With both Dončić and Reaves sidelined, the Lakers will have to rely heavily on LeBron James to carry the offensive load against a Rockets team entering the playoffs at full strength.

The details

Dončić suffered the hamstring injury on April 2 and has been receiving specialized treatment in Spain over the past week. The typical recovery time for a Grade 2 hamstring strain is around a month, and the Lakers have already ruled him out for the rest of the regular season. Reaves sustained a Grade 2 oblique strain in the same game, further complicating the Lakers' rotation. Despite these setbacks, the team managed to finish the regular season strong, going 3-2 without both guards.

  • Dončić suffered the hamstring injury on April 2.
  • Dončić has spent the past week in Spain receiving specialized treatment.
  • Dončić is set to return to the United States this week for further evaluation.
  • The Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Rockets begins on Saturday, April 15.

The players

Luka Dončić

A 27-year-old All-Star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who led the league in scoring during the regular season with 33.5 points per game.

Austin Reaves

A key reserve guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who is also sidelined with a Grade 2 oblique strain.

LeBron James

The veteran superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who will have to shoulder more of the offensive load in the absence of Dončić and Reaves.

JJ Redick

The Lakers' head coach who has been in communication with Dončić during his overseas treatment.

Shams Charania

An ESPN insider who provided updates on Dončić's recovery progress.

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What they’re saying

“He spent the last week in Spain, from my understanding. He underwent multiple injection treatments in that hamstring to see if it could promote quick healing. Can it expedite a return?”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Insider

“I'm not gonna share how long he's going to be over there, but I think he's in good spirits. In my conversations with him, he's motivated to do everything possible. I know for him, it's hard for him not to be on a basketball court.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers will reassess Dončić's condition when he returns to the United States this week, and his status for the start of the playoffs will be determined based on that evaluation.

The takeaway

The Lakers' playoff hopes hinge on Dončić's recovery, as his absence would leave a significant void in their offense. The team's ability to overcome these injuries and compete against a healthy Rockets squad will be a major test of their depth and resilience.