Lakers' Doncic and Reaves Ruled Out for Game 1 of Playoff Series Against Rockets
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick stated that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are out due to injuries. Doncic suffered a strained hamstring during Thursday's win over the Philadelphia 76ers, while Reaves has an oblique injury and a left big toe sprain. The team's first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets begins on Saturday.
hollywoodreporter.com# Doncic and Reaves Ruled Out as Lakers Face Rockets in Playoff Series Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are out. An injury update on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is not expected this week. The Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Rockets begins on Saturday.
Luka Doncic was injured on Thursday night during the home win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Doncic had an early exit from Thursday’s home win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Doncic limped back to the locker room late in the second quarter after grabbing his hamstring during the game against the 76ers.
Doncic went to Madrid for injections on his strained hamstring. Doncic was going to rejoin the team on Friday. Austin Reaves defended Luka Doncic from a Thunder heckler after the injury on Thursday night.
Key Recent Stats for Doncic and Reaves Ahead of Injuries Luka Doncic led the Los Angeles Lakers with his seventh triple-double of the season.
Doncic scored 51 points in the Lakers' win over the Bulls. The Lakers beat the Bulls 142-130. Austin Reaves scored 31 points in the Lakers' win over the Timberwolves. Austin Reaves shot free throws with his teammates after Lakers practice on Tuesday.
The Lakers entered the playoffs on a strong 16-2 run in recent games.
Injury Details for Reaves and Doncic Austin Reaves has an oblique injury.
Oblique injuries typically sideline players four to six weeks. Austin Reaves has a left big toe sprain from last postseason. Luka Doncic's strained hamstring prompted travel to Madrid for treatment. No further details on the duration of Doncic's absence were provided beyond the planned rejoining on Friday.
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-04-15
Austin Reaves shot free throws with his teammates after Lakers practice on Tuesday.
1 sourceunattributed - 2026-04-11
Luka Doncic went to Madrid for injections on his strained hamstring.
1 sourceunattributed - 2026-04-10
Luka Doncic was injured on Thursday night during the game against the 76ers.
1 sourceunattributed - Pre-2026-04-10
The Lakers went 16-2 before the injuries.
1 sourceunattributed - Upcoming
Luka Doncic was going to rejoin the team on Friday.
1 sourceunattributed - Upcoming
The Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Rockets begins on Saturday.
1 sourceunattributed
Potential Impact
- 01
Reaves' oblique injury likely causes four-to-six-week absence, affecting playoff depth.
- 02
Team's 16-2 pre-injury record suggests strong base, but key absences test roster.
- 03
Lakers may face challenges in first-round series without Doncic and Reaves.
- 04
Doncic's planned return on Friday could allow participation in Saturday's game.
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