Lakers Guard Austin Reaves Scheduled for MRI on Oblique Injury

Reaves, a key contributor, suffered the injury in Thursday's loss to the Thunder.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 7:48pm

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The Los Angeles Lakers have more injury concerns, with guard Austin Reaves set to undergo an MRI on his oblique area after leaving Thursday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with discomfort. Reaves' status for the Lakers' upcoming game is uncertain, and the team could also be without guard Marcus Smart due to an ankle injury.

Why it matters

The Lakers have been surging in the Western Conference playoff race, winning 13 of their last 14 games. However, the injuries to Reaves and Luka Doncic, who also left Thursday's game with a hamstring issue, could be a significant setback as the Lakers push for a high playoff seed.

The details

Reaves said he 'overextended a little bit' while going for a rebound and felt something in his rib/oblique area. The Lakers are already dealing with Doncic's hamstring injury, which will likely keep him out for the final five games of the regular season.

  • Reaves suffered the injury during Thursday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • Reaves and the Lakers will determine his status for Sunday's game against the Dallas Mavericks after the MRI results.

The players

Austin Reaves

A 27-year-old guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who has averaged a career-best 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in 51 games this season.

Luka Doncic

The star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who leads the NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game and is also averaging 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds. Doncic was recently named Western Conference Player of the Month for March.

Marcus Smart

A guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who is also dealing with an ankle injury and may miss the upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks.

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What they’re saying

“I went back to get a rebound, overextended a little bit and I felt something.”

— Austin Reaves, Lakers Guard

What’s next

The Lakers will wait for the results of Reaves' MRI to determine his availability for Sunday's game against the Dallas Mavericks.

The takeaway

The Lakers' recent surge in the Western Conference playoff race has been hampered by a rash of injuries, with key contributors Reaves and Doncic both suffering setbacks. The team's depth will be tested as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for the playoffs.