Lakers Dealt Devastating Injury Blows to Playoff Hopes

Austin Reaves out 4-6 weeks with oblique injury, joining Luka Doncic on the sidelines

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:57am

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The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a major setback to their playoff aspirations as both Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic were ruled out with significant injuries. Reaves will miss 4-6 weeks with a left oblique injury, while Doncic is sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The Lakers were riding high after a 16-2 stretch, but now face an uphill battle to hold onto their playoff position without their two best offensive players.

Why it matters

The Lakers' championship hopes have taken a major hit with the injuries to Reaves and Doncic. Both players are crucial to the team's success, and their absences will make it extremely difficult for the Lakers to advance deep into the playoffs. This is a devastating blow for a team that was starting to look like a legitimate title contender.

The details

Reaves was injured during the Lakers' blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. Head coach JJ Redick left him in the game despite seeing Reaves in clear discomfort, a decision that has now backfired with the 4-6 week timeline for his recovery. Doncic's hamstring injury occurred in the same game, leaving the Lakers without their two best players heading into the postseason.

  • Reaves was injured in the first half of the Lakers' loss to the Thunder on April 4, 2026.
  • Reaves has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks with the oblique injury.
  • Doncic was also injured in the Thunder game and is expected to miss significant time with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

The players

Austin Reaves

A second-year guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who has emerged as a key contributor this season, averaging 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

Luka Doncic

The star point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, who is sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain suffered in the same game as Reaves' injury.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who has faced criticism for leaving Reaves in the game despite seeing him in clear discomfort.

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What’s next

The Lakers will face a difficult path to the playoffs without Reaves and Doncic, as they try to hold onto their third seed in the Western Conference. Their first-round playoff matchup against the Rockets or Timberwolves will be an uphill battle without their two best offensive players.

The takeaway

The Lakers' championship aspirations have taken a major hit with the devastating injuries to Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. Their depth and defensive prowess will be tested as they try to advance in the playoffs without their two leading scorers. This is a crushing blow for a team that was starting to look like a true contender in the West.