Lakers Announce Starting Lineup Without Doncic, Reaves for Game 1 vs. Rockets

LeBron James, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart will lead the Lakers' starting unit as they open the playoffs against the Rockets.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:03am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between the Lakers and Rockets, with sharp planes and angles representing the players' movements and the court's layout.A cubist interpretation of the Lakers and Rockets facing off in the first round of the NBA playoffs, with key players' movements and the court's geometry deconstructed into a dynamic visual.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers have announced their starting lineup for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined due to injuries. The Lakers' starting five will feature Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton as they look to overcome the absences of their top two scorers.

Why it matters

The Lakers will need to find ways to replace the nearly 60 points per game they are missing with Doncic and Reaves out, putting increased scoring responsibility on players like Kennard, Smart, Hachimura, and James. The Rockets will also be without their star Kevin Durant for Game 1, which could give the Lakers a better chance at extending the series and potentially getting one or both of their injured players back at some point.

The details

The Lakers' starting lineup for Game 1 against the Rockets will be Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton. This is one of the few lineups the Lakers have been using in the few games they've played without Doncic and Reaves, their two leading scorers. While there remains hope that one or both of the injured stars can return at some point in the series, they won't be re-evaluated until next week, so their status for the remainder of the playoffs remains uncertain.

  • The Lakers vs. Rockets Game 1 tips off on Saturday, April 18, at 5:30 pm PST.
  • Doncic and Reaves will be re-evaluated sometime next week to determine their potential return.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star point guard who is sidelined with an injury and will miss Game 1 against the Rockets.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' starting shooting guard who is also out with an injury and will not play in Game 1.

Marcus Smart

The Lakers' starting point guard for Game 1 in the absence of Doncic and Reaves.

LeBron James

The Lakers' veteran superstar forward who will lead the team's starting lineup in the playoff opener.

Deandre Ayton

The Lakers' starting center for Game 1 against the Rockets.

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What they’re saying

“We remain hopeful that Luka and Austin can return at some point in this series, but for now we have to find ways to replace their scoring production.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

“Losing Kevin Durant is a big blow for us, but we'll have to find a way to win Game 1 without him.”

— Ime Udoka, Rockets Head Coach

What’s next

Doncic and Reaves will be re-evaluated sometime next week to determine their potential return for the remainder of the Lakers-Rockets playoff series.

The takeaway

The Lakers will need to rely on their supporting cast to step up in the absence of their two leading scorers, Doncic and Reaves, as they open the playoffs against the Rockets. The Rockets' own injury woes with Kevin Durant's absence could give the Lakers a better chance at extending the series and potentially getting one or both of their stars back at some point.