With Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) out indefinitely with injuries, many are convinced the LA Lakers’ season could end quickly.
However, league insider Ramona Shelburne provided a positive update for Lakers fans on Friday’s NBA Today:
“There’s a chance Luka (Doncic) could come back later in the first round. He is in Spain, and he’s getting treatment every day. … I don’t think there’s a chance Austin Reaves can come back in the first round. (Lakers) are not planning on that or expecting it.”
Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury a week ago against the OKC Thunder, an issue that will keep him out for four to six weeks. After securing a guaranteed playoff spot late last month, the Lakers will host a first-round series on April 17. Doncic will be roughly three weeks into his rehab when the postseason starts.
According to Shelburne, if the Lakers can drag out the series, Luka Doncic might still have enough time to return.
Meanwhile, Austin Reaves is staying with the Lakers as he rehabs his oblique injury. Although he and Doncic have the same timeline for a return, the team doesn’t expect AR15 to be ready for the first round.
The problem for the Lakers is managing to extend a series without Doncic and Reaves. Even with LeBron James playing at a high level, having the 41-year-old veteran carry the team in the playoffs isn’t the scenario the Lakers envisioned at the start of the season.
If the No. 4 Lakers remain in the same spot to start the playoffs, they will face the Kevin Durant-led Rockets. If they move up to No. 3, they will have a date with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the same team that sent them home in five games last season.
Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, forcing a long series against the Rockets or the Timberwolves will be tough.
Lakers Badly Need Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves To Return
LA Lakers coach JJ Redick said early on Friday that teams can’t wait to face them in the playoffs. Due to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves’ injuries, they’ll be underdogs regardless of who they face in the first round.
LeBron James isn’t the elite two-way player he once was. The four-time MVP often takes a breather on defense. Asking him to defend, create and score in a playoff series is likely too much for the 23-year veteran.
Since the Lakers shut down Doncic and Reaves, they are 2-0. They blew away the Golden State Warriors 119-103 on Thursday before whipping the Phoenix Suns 101-73 two nights later.
The Warriors played the Lakers minus Steph Curry and other key contributors. Phoenix kept out Jalen Green and Devin Booker after the Suns locked up the No. 7 seed.
Once the games really matter, the Lakers desperately need at least Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves to return.
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