The LA Lakers’ season began with an air of excitement. Despite the month-long absence of LeBron James at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign, Luka Doncic offered a preview of the next era of Lakers basketball by unleashing one scoring outburst after another. On top of this, Austin Reaves built an early case for All-Star selection as his scoring and playmaking went up another notch.
However, the Lakers’ momentum was derailed by a number of factors: defensive flaws being exposed, injuries to top stars and role players alike. Just when the Lakers looked lethal once again, after performing well on the other side of the All-Star break and securing another 50-win season, two more curveballs would be thrown their way.
This past weekend, both Doncic and Reaves were ruled out for the remainder of the regular season. Doncic had suffered a grade 2 hamstring strain during a crucial matchup against the OKC Thunder, while Reaves is dealing with a serious oblique injury.
On Sunday, the Lakers began their process of improvising their playoff lineup when they took on Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks. Though LeBron James (30 points, nine rebounds, 15 assists) did all he could, the Lakers just didn’t have enough to outgun the Mavs, who won 134-128.
As if the Lakers’ defensive deficiencies weren’t enough, they now bear the risk of running James to the ground as two of their best shot-makers are expected to miss the first round of the playoffs. With less than two weeks left before the postseason begins, Lakers head coach JJ Redick will have to pull out all the stops to come up with a winning formula for his injury-riddled squad.
LA Lakers playoffs picture: Updated Standings
The loss to the Mavericks brings the Lakers’ record down to 50-28. With the no. 2 spot in the firm grip of the San Antonio Spurs (59-19), the Lakers face just two possibilities at this point. On the one hand, they can hold on to the no. 3 spot by having a better record than, or equaling the record of, the Denver Nuggets (whom they defeated twice in three regular season outings). On the other hand, they can slip to no. 4 if the Nuggets finish with a better record.
LA Lakers playoffs picture: Remaining Schedule
Out of the four remaining opponents on the Lakers’ regular season slate, two have a below-.500 record (the Warriors and the Jazz) and one is below the purple and gold squad in the Western Conference standings (the Suns). However, up next for the Lakers is one final regular season matchup with the Thunder, who are looking to extend their active winning streak to six.
