Trending Now - Lakers Gear up for Rockets With Injury Updates on Doncic, Reaves

WHO:

ESPN - Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick

ESPN - Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes, Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson

WHAT:

ESPN - Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are out indefinitely due to injuries.

ESPN - Reaves is recovering from a Grade 2 left oblique strain, expected to take 4-6 weeks for rehabilitation.

ESPN - Doncic is receiving multiple injections for a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

ESPN - The Lakers finished the regular season with a 3-1 record.

ESPN - The Lakers will face the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on April 15th, 2026, at 8:30 p.m. ET.

WHERE:

ESPN - The Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo, California.

ESPN - Doncic is currently in Spain.

WHEN:

ESPN - Reaves suffered his injury on April 2nd, 2026.

ESPN - Doncic is expected to return to Los Angeles on April 14th, 2026.

ESPN - The Lakers' playoff series opener is scheduled for April 15th, 2026.

WHY:

ESPN - The Lakers are preparing for the playoffs and need to strategize without their injured players.

HOW:

ESPN - Redick is implementing a more active practice routine compared to the previous spring.

ESPN - The Lakers are focusing on boxing out and taking care of the basketball to compete against the Rockets, who lead the league in rebounds.

(UPDATED April 14, 2026 23:17 UTC)

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be out indefinitely due to injuries, with Reaves recovering from a Grade 2 left oblique strain and Doncic receiving multiple injections for a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The Los Angeles Lakers, who finished the regular season with a 3-1 record, are set to face the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series April 15th at 8:30 p.m. ET, while coach JJ Redick is adjusting practice routines to prepare the team for the challenge ahead.