Lakers Stars Doncic and Reaves Out Indefinitely for Playoffs

Coach JJ Redick confirms both players will miss start of first-round series against Rockets

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:03am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between the Lakers and Rockets, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes representing the dynamic action on the court.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the high-stakes tension of the Lakers' playoff matchup against the Rockets without their injured stars.Oklahoma City Today

Los Angeles Lakers stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been ruled out indefinitely for the start of the team's first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. Both players sustained injuries in an April 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Doncic suffering a strained hamstring and Reaves dealing with an oblique strain. Coach JJ Redick told reporters that there is no timeline for their return, dealing a significant blow to the Lakers' playoff hopes.

Why it matters

The Lakers will be significant underdogs against the Rockets without their two leading scorers. Doncic and Reaves were key contributors throughout the regular season, and their absence will force the team to find new ways to generate offense against a Rockets squad that excels on the defensive end.

The details

Doncic reportedly traveled to Spain to receive treatment on his strained hamstring, while Reaves' oblique injury is also expected to sideline him for an extended period. The initial recovery timeline for both players was 4-6 weeks, but Redick confirmed they are now out 'indefinitely,' casting doubt on their availability for the start of the playoffs.

  • Doncic and Reaves sustained their injuries in an April 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • Redick announced the players are out 'indefinitely' on April 15, just days before the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Rockets begins on April 18.

The players

Luka Doncic

All-Star forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who sustained a strained hamstring in an April 2 loss.

Austin Reaves

Lakers guard who suffered an oblique strain in the same April 2 game against the Thunder.

JJ Redick

Head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kevin Durant

Star forward for the Houston Rockets, the Lakers' first-round playoff opponent.

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What they’re saying

“They're out indefinitely. I'm not going to have an update for you this week. They're out indefinitely.”

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

What’s next

The Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Rockets begins on April 18. The team will have to find a way to generate enough offense without their two leading scorers in Doncic and Reaves.

The takeaway

The Lakers' playoff hopes have taken a significant hit with the indefinite absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The team will need to find new ways to score against a tough Rockets defense, making their first-round series an uphill battle without their two stars.