Lakers' Brutal Injury News Could Boost Nuggets' Playoff Positioning

The Lakers' recent injuries to key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves may give the Nuggets an advantage in the race for the Western Conference's third seed.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:20pm

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The Los Angeles Lakers have suffered two significant injuries that could impact their battle with the Denver Nuggets for the third seed in the Western Conference. Lakers star Luka Doncic is out indefinitely with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, while guard Austin Reaves is also sidelined with an oblique strain. These injuries come at a crucial time as the regular season winds down, potentially giving the surging Nuggets, who have won eight straight games, an opportunity to overtake the Lakers for the coveted third spot in the West.

Why it matters

The third seed in the Western Conference playoffs is highly coveted, as it would mean avoiding a potential matchup with the top-seeded teams in the early rounds. The Nuggets and Lakers have been jockeying for position, and these injuries to key Lakers players could tip the scales in Denver's favor as they make a push for the playoffs.

The details

Luka Doncic, the Lakers' leading scorer, was forced to leave the team's recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a hamstring injury. He has since been diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain, which will keep him out until at least the playoffs. Meanwhile, guard Austin Reaves, who has been a valuable contributor for the Lakers this season, is also sidelined with an oblique strain. These injuries come at a critical time for the Lakers, who are currently 0.5 games behind the Nuggets in the standings.

  • Doncic suffered the hamstring injury during the Lakers' game against the Thunder on April 5.
  • Reaves was diagnosed with his oblique strain on April 8.
  • The Nuggets are currently riding an eight-game winning streak, with their most recent victory coming against the San Antonio Spurs on April 7.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' leading scorer, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game this season.

Austin Reaves

A valuable contributor for the Lakers, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 36% from three-point range.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets are currently 0.5 games behind the Lakers in the race for the third seed in the Western Conference, and have won eight straight games heading into the final week of the regular season.

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What’s next

The Lakers will visit the Dallas Mavericks on April 5, while the Nuggets will take on the Portland Trail Blazers on April 6. By April 7, the third seed in the Western Conference could have a new occupant.

The takeaway

These injuries to key Lakers players come at a crucial time in the race for playoff positioning in the Western Conference. The surging Nuggets now have a prime opportunity to overtake the Lakers for the coveted third seed, which could have a significant impact on their postseason aspirations.