Lakers Face Playoffs Without Doncic and Reaves as JJ Redick Confirms Indefinite Absence

The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the playoffs with significant uncertainty surrounding two of their key players. After the team’s first practice session in preparation for the postseason, head coach JJ Redick provided a stark update on the injury status of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

« They’re out indefinitely, » Redick said. « I’m not going to have an update for you this week. They’re out indefinitely. » The blunt assessment reflects the challenging reality facing the Lakers as they prepare for their first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday.

PROFIL JOUEUR

Luka DONCIC

Poste(s): Meneur

Taille: 201 cm

Âge: 27 ans (28/02/1999)

Nationalités:

Stats 2025-2026 / NBA

PTS

33,6

#1

REB

7,8

#36

PD

8,3

#4

Critical Injuries at the Worst Possible Time

Both players sustained their injuries during an April 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Reaves is recovering from a Grade 2 left oblique strain, with his rehabilitation expected to take four to six weeks according to sources. The guard was present at the team facility and shot free throws after practice while wearing slide sandals, indicating he remains in the early stages of recovery.

Doncic continues his treatment in Spain for a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, receiving multiple injections as part of his rehabilitation process. Sources indicate that Doncic will return to Los Angeles on Friday to join his team for Game 1, though his playing status remains uncertain.

The timing couldn’t be more problematic for Los Angeles. Together, Doncic and Reaves averaged 56.8 points per game this season, representing a massive offensive void that the Lakers must somehow fill against a formidable Houston squad.

Adjusting Strategy Without Star Power

With LeBron James coming off Western Conference Player of the Week honors after helping the Lakers to a 3-1 record to close the regular season, the veteran will shoulder increased responsibility. However, Redick emphasized that the game plan won’t rely solely on the 23-year veteran.

« I do think we have other options [other than] just him having the ball and going against a set defense every single possession, » Redick said. « We’ll look to mix in different actions depending on their lineups and their coverages. »

PROFIL JOUEUR

LeBron JAMES

Poste(s): Ailier

Taille: 203 cm

Âge: 41 ans (30/12/1984)

Nationalités:

Stats 2025-2026 / NBA

PTS

20,8

#34

REB

6,1

#74

PD

7,3

#12

The Lakers face a Houston team featuring significant challenges, including the NBA‘s fifth all-time leading scorer Kevin Durant, All-Star big man Alperen Sengun, and athletic wing Amen Thompson. The Rockets led the league in total rebounds per game (48.1) and offensive rebounds per game (15.0), while the Lakers finished 27th in rebounding.

Redick has identified the key areas for success: « Taking care of the basketball and boxing out, that’s the series. Scheme, personnel, obviously important, but if we don’t take care of the ball and we don’t box out, we’re not going to win the series. »

LIRE AUSSI

Luka Doncic Travels to Europe to Speed Up His Recovery

7 avr. 2026

Nicolas Flamecourt