Lakers Seek Backcourt Help After Injuries to Doncic and Reaves

The team is looking to add reinforcements to their depleted rotation ahead of the playoffs.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:21am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball court and players, with overlapping planes of vibrant purple, gold, and blue colors, capturing the disruption to the Lakers' lineup.The Lakers' backcourt depth is tested as they navigate the playoffs without their star scorer Luka Doncic and key role player Austin Reaves.Oklahoma City Today

The Los Angeles Lakers are seeking backcourt reinforcements as they prepare for the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. The urgency for new additions follows significant injuries to star players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, which have left the team with a depleted rotation in the final week of the regular season.

Why it matters

The Lakers had been building momentum toward a postseason peak led by Doncic's scoring, but the simultaneous loss of two key backcourt players has significantly altered their outlook for the playoffs. The team is now operating with a diminished capacity compared to their dominant March performance.

The details

On April 3, 2026, it was reported that Luka Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury. The following day, April 4, 2026, the Lakers announced that Austin Reaves would also be sidelined due to an oblique strain. Doncic has traveled to Europe to undergo recovery and seek specialized treatment in Slovenia. Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided an update, noting that while he would not disclose the specific length of Doncic's stay in Europe, the player remains positive and motivated to return to the court.

  • On April 3, 2026, Luka Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury.
  • On April 4, 2026, the Lakers announced that Austin Reaves would be sidelined due to an oblique strain.
  • On April 7, 2026, the Lakers suffered a 123-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The players

Luka Doncic

A star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury, sidelining him for an undisclosed period of time.

Austin Reaves

A Lakers player who was also sidelined with an oblique strain, further depleting the team's backcourt rotation.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who provided an update on Doncic's status and recovery timeline.

Marcus Smart

A player who rejoined the Lakers on April 11, 2026, as the team seeks to stabilize their lineup in the absence of Doncic and Reaves.

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What they’re saying

“Luka Doncic is in good spirits and motivated to do everything possible to return to the court. He typically works in the gym year-round and finds the basketball court to be his happy place.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers are actively looking for quality backcourt reinforcements to bolster the squad for the opening round of the playoffs.

The takeaway

The Lakers' playoff hopes have been significantly impacted by the simultaneous injuries to Doncic and Reaves, leaving the team in a vulnerable position as they seek to add depth and stability to their backcourt rotation ahead of the postseason.