Lakers Face Playoff Uncertainty After Doncic, Reaves Injuries

Doncic and Reaves' status for the postseason remains unclear after suffering injuries in recent loss to Thunder.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court and players, conveying the uncertainty and disruption caused by the Lakers' key injuries.The Lakers' playoff hopes hang in the balance as they await updates on the severity of Doncic and Reaves' injuries.Oklahoma City Today

The Los Angeles Lakers have already secured a spot in the NBA playoffs, but they may have to navigate their first-round series without two of their star players. Both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sustained injuries in the team's recent loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Doncic diagnosed with a grade 2 ankle sprain that could sideline him for several weeks.

Why it matters

The Lakers are hoping to make a deep playoff run, but losing Doncic and Reaves would be a major blow to their championship aspirations. Doncic was having an MVP-caliber season and was expected to be a First Team All-NBA selection, so his absence would be devastating for the team.

The details

In the loss to the Thunder, Doncic suffered a grade 2 ankle sprain, while Reaves sustained an unspecified injury. The severity of Reaves' injury is still unknown, but Doncic's timetable for return is expected to be several weeks, putting his availability for the start of the playoffs in jeopardy.

  • Doncic and Reaves were injured in the Lakers' loss to the Thunder on April 6, 2026.
  • The NBA playoffs are scheduled to begin in mid-April 2026.

The players

Luka Doncic

A superstar guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who was having an MVP-caliber season before suffering a grade 2 ankle sprain.

Austin Reaves

A key role player for the Lakers who also sustained an injury in the same game as Doncic.

Magic Johnson

A Lakers legend and current team executive who expressed his disappointment over Doncic's injury.

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What they’re saying

“I'm devastated about Luka Doncic's injury because he was having an MVP season and should definitely be First Team All-NBA.”

— Magic Johnson, Lakers Executive

What’s next

The Lakers will have to wait and see how long Doncic and Reaves will be sidelined as they prepare for the start of the playoffs in mid-April.

The takeaway

The Lakers' championship hopes have taken a major hit with the injuries to Doncic and Reaves. The team will need to find a way to overcome these setbacks if they want to make a deep playoff run.