Lakers' Austin Reaves Questionable vs. Mavericks

Reaves underwent MRI on left oblique/rib area, Doncic out indefinitely with hamstring strain

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:10pm

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is questionable to play against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday after undergoing an MRI on his left oblique/rib area. This comes as the Lakers are already dealing with the indefinite absence of Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The Lakers are trying to hold onto the 3rd seed in the Western Conference playoff race with several key games coming up.

Why it matters

The Lakers are already short-handed with Doncic out, and an injury to Reaves would further deplete their backcourt depth as they try to secure a favorable playoff position. The team's ability to adapt and overcome these challenges will be crucial down the stretch.

The details

Reaves tweaked his left side in the first half of the Lakers' loss to the Thunder on Thursday, but was able to return to the game. The team announced he underwent an MRI on Saturday, leaving his status for Sunday's game against the Mavericks in question. Lakers coach JJ Redick said the team will need to divide the offensive burden between several players, including LeBron James, Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton.

  • Reaves was injured in the first half of the Lakers' game against the Thunder on Thursday, April 4.
  • The Lakers announced Reaves underwent an MRI on his left oblique/rib area on Saturday, April 6.

The players

Austin Reaves

A Lakers guard who is questionable to play against the Mavericks due to a left oblique/rib injury.

Luka Doncic

The Mavericks star who is out indefinitely with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

JJ Redick

The Lakers' head coach who discussed the team's injury situation and plans to expand the rotation.

LeBron James

The Lakers' veteran leader who will need to take on a larger offensive role with Doncic and Reaves potentially out.

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What they’re saying

“Our mission, it hasn't changed. The rest of these guys and my staff, we're going after the 3 seed and we're going to try to win a playoff series. And we'll see what happens with Luka.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

“You got to flip the mindset a little bit when your role changes, whatever the case may be, or what's needed out of [you for] the team. So, the mindset changes a little bit, for sure.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Lakers will need to evaluate Reaves' status ahead of their game against the Mavericks on Sunday, April 7. They then have a tough stretch of games against the Thunder, Warriors and Suns before the regular season finale against the Jazz.

The takeaway

The Lakers' playoff positioning is in jeopardy with the injuries to Doncic and potentially Reaves. The team will need to rely on its depth and veteran leadership from LeBron James to navigate this challenging stretch and secure a favorable playoff seed.