Lakers Adjust Amid Injuries to Doncic, Reaves Before Playoffs

Iman Shumpert explains how LeBron James and the Lakers can stay competitive despite losing two key players

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:22pm

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The Los Angeles Lakers are facing significant uncertainty heading into the final stretch of the regular season after injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Doncic, the team's leading scorer, is dealing with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, while Reaves has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season with a left oblique injury. Former NBA guard Iman Shumpert addressed the situation, explaining why he believes the Lakers can still remain competitive despite losing two key contributors.

Why it matters

The setbacks to Doncic and Reaves come at a critical time for the Lakers, who are battling for playoff positioning in a tightly contested Western Conference. With LeBron James now taking on an even larger role, the team must find a way to adapt and stay competitive without two of their primary playmakers.

The details

In the Lakers' 134-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron James delivered 30 points and 15 assists, but the result highlighted the challenge ahead for the shorthanded roster. Shumpert believes the Lakers can still be competitive if James can 'control the tempo and create opportunities.' Head coach JJ Redick emphasized a simplified approach, focusing on execution rather than complexity. In the loss to Dallas, the Lakers showed signs of adaptability, with all five starters scoring in double figures and the team recording 36 assists, just two shy of a season high. However, the defensive end remains a concern, as the Mavericks shot 52% from the field and built a 22-point lead before halftime.

  • Doncic is dealing with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
  • Reaves has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season with a left oblique injury.
  • The Lakers are currently tied with the Denver Nuggets for third place in the Western Conference, with only a handful of games remaining.

The players

LeBron James

The Lakers' veteran leader who has taken on an even larger role in the absence of Doncic and Reaves.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' leading scorer who is dealing with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' young guard who has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season with a left oblique injury.

JJ Redick

The Lakers' head coach who emphasized a simplified approach to help the team adapt to the injuries.

Iman Shumpert

The former NBA guard who provided analysis on how the Lakers can remain competitive despite the injuries.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think you expect to do too much unless you can… extend this series into the late parts of the first round, but I saw a little bit of sunshine last night… I saw five Lakers starters in double digits. I saw LeBron James responsible for 60-plus points… he still showed you I can control a basketball game.”

— Iman Shumpert, Former NBA Guard

“I think simplicity wins. It's nothing too crazy… hopefully over the next five games, we can really figure out what works for this group.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

“We've got to have the commitment to do it on both ends.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

“If LeBron James can continue to get the rest that he needs in between games, I think that he can march them as long as they need to survive to get one of those guys back.”

— Iman Shumpert, Former NBA Guard

“It's a shot to the heart and to the chest and the main frame.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

Both Doncic and Reaves are working toward returning, and the team's priority is to stay competitive long enough to make that possible. The Lakers' ability to adapt without two of their primary playmakers will define their short-term future as they battle for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

The Lakers' injuries to Doncic and Reaves have forced the team to rely heavily on LeBron James and adjust their approach, but Iman Shumpert believes they can remain competitive if James can control the tempo and the team maintains defensive discipline. The Lakers' ability to adapt and stay in contention until their injured stars return will be crucial in determining their postseason success.