Lakers Stars Doncic and Reaves Out Indefinitely to Start Playoffs

Both players dealing with significant injuries as Lakers prepare for first-round matchup against Rockets

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the Lakers and Rockets players and action on the court.The Lakers face an uphill battle to start the playoffs without their two leading scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will both be out indefinitely to start the NBA playoffs due to injuries. Doncic is dealing with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, while Reaves has a Grade 2 left oblique injury. Head coach JJ Redick stated that there is no timeline for their return, leaving the Lakers to rely on other players to step up in their absence.

Why it matters

The Lakers' chances of making a deep playoff run will be severely impacted by the loss of their two leading scorers. Doncic and Reaves are crucial to the team's offensive production, and their absences will force other players to take on larger roles. The Lakers will need to focus on defense and team play to overcome the loss of their stars.

The details

Doncic returned to the team after seeking treatment in Spain for his hamstring injury, but there is still no clear timeline for his return. Reaves is also dealing with a soft tissue injury, which can be difficult to recover from quickly. The Lakers will need to rely on LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard to handle the primary scoring and playmaking responsibilities, while Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton will need to step up in the frontcourt.

  • Doncic and Reaves will both be out 'indefinitely' to start the playoffs, according to head coach JJ Redick.
  • Doncic returned to the team after seeking treatment in Spain for his hamstring injury.
  • Reaves is dealing with a Grade 2 left oblique injury.

The players

Luka Doncic

All-Star forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, dealing with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Austin Reaves

Guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, dealing with a Grade 2 left oblique injury.

JJ Redick

Head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James

Veteran forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who will need to take on a larger scoring and playmaking role with Doncic and Reaves out.

Marcus Smart

Guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who will contribute to the team's scoring and playmaking in the absence of Doncic and Reaves.

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What they’re saying

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

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

What’s next

The Lakers will need to focus on winning their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets without Doncic and Reaves. If they can extend the series, there is a chance one or both players could return later in the playoffs, but the team must first find a way to win with the players they have available.

The takeaway

The Lakers' playoff hopes have taken a significant hit with the indefinite absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves due to injuries. The team will need to rely on its depth and defensive intensity to overcome the loss of its two leading scorers, but the path to a deep postseason run has become much more challenging.