Lakers Aim to Get Austin Reaves Back for NBA Playoffs

JJ Redick outlines Lakers' plan to use player tracking data to help injured guard return in time for postseason

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented, multi-angled forms of basketball players in motion, with their bodies and movements broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and abstract shapes.The Lakers' reliance on data analytics to manage injuries and strategize for the playoffs is a testament to the growing role of technology in modern sports.Oklahoma City Today

With both Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic sidelined with injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers are facing a depleted guard rotation. However, head coach JJ Redick is confident the team can get Reaves back for the NBA Playoffs by closely monitoring his recovery and workload using player tracking data.

Why it matters

The Lakers have struggled without their two starting guards, suffering blowout losses to the Thunder and Mavericks. Redick knows Reaves' return will be crucial to the team's playoff hopes, as they look to extend their season long enough for the injured player to make it back.

The details

Redick said the Lakers are closely analyzing Reaves' acceleration, jumps, and overall workload data after each game to ensure he doesn't push too hard in his recovery. The team is committed to managing his return carefully to get him back on the court for the playoffs.

  • Reaves and Doncic are expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with their respective injuries.
  • The Lakers are hoping to stall their season long enough for Reaves to make it back in time for the NBA Playoffs.

The players

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, tasked with guiding the team through Reaves and Doncic's absences.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' starting guard who is currently sidelined with an injury, but the team is working to get him back for the playoffs.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' other starting guard who is also out with an injury, leaving the team short-handed in the backcourt.

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What they’re saying

“I think, for both those guys, the nature of playing heavy minutes, that's certainly a part of, like any equation when you're trying to manage workloads. We also rely on the tracking data, and we're looking at that after every game. You know, acceleration, jumps, workload, all of those things.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers will continue closely monitoring Reaves' recovery data in hopes of getting him back on the court in time for the NBA Playoffs, where they believe his presence will be crucial to their championship aspirations.

The takeaway

The Lakers' reliance on player tracking data to manage Reaves' recovery and return highlights the increasing role of analytics in modern sports medicine and injury management. By taking a data-driven approach, the team hopes to give themselves the best chance of making a deep playoff run despite their current injury woes.