The Los Angeles Lakers are pushing forward in the NBA Playoffs without star guard Luka Dončić, who is out indefinitely due to a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves is making strides in his recovery and could potentially return later in the series.
Why it matters: The absence of Dončić, who was a key player for the Lakers, has left a gap in the lineup. Reaves’ potential return could provide a much-needed boost as the Lakers look to advance in the playoffs.
Dončić suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2.
Prior to the injury, Dončić was leading the league with an impressive average of 33.5 points per game.
Austin Reaves, sidelined with a Grade 2 oblique strain from the same game, is showing progress in his rehabilitation.
Reaves has begun one-on-one on-court work and is expected to advance to 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 drills soon.
Driving the news: The Lakers currently hold a 2-0 lead in their first-round series against the Houston Rockets after winning Game 2, 101-94, on Tuesday night.
LeBron James led the charge in Game 1 with 19 points and 13 assists, complemented by Luke Kennard’s 27 points.
Game 1 was a strong start for the Lakers, setting the tone for their playoff campaign even without their two leading scorers.
Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for April 24 and April 26 in Houston, respectively.
State of play: Coach JJ Redick confirmed that both Dončić and Reaves are out indefinitely, but there is cautious optimism surrounding Reaves’ recovery.
Redick stated, "Austin has started a return to play, but we don’t have any timeline update for him." This indicates Reaves is progressing well.
Dončić is expected to begin some court work soon, but no specific timeline has been provided for his return.
The Lakers are managing their playoff strategy without two of their top players, relying on other team members to step up.
The big picture: The Lakers are hoping to capitalize on their current momentum in the playoffs, especially with Reaves potentially coming back into the fold.
Reaves averaged 22.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game before his injury, making him a valuable asset.
If he returns, it could alleviate some pressure from the rest of the team, particularly on LeBron James.
The Lakers' success in the early games of the series has provided them with a cushion, allowing for a potential return of Reaves without rushing him back.
What they're saying: Reports suggest that the Lakers are optimistic about Reaves’ return, which would be a major boost for the team.
Shams Charania from ESPN noted, "The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that's farther along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes." This highlights the differing recovery timelines.
Redick emphasized that both players are taking their recovery one step at a time, indicating a cautious approach to their return.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Lakers will navigate the playoffs without their star players.
By the numbers: The performance metrics for both players before their injuries underline their importance to the Lakers.
Dončić averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game, solidifying his status as a top player in the league.
Reaves, in his breakout season, recorded averages of 22.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, highlighting his role as a key contributor.
The Lakers have managed to secure a 2-0 lead in the series, which is a promising start considering their injury challenges.
What's next: The Lakers are preparing for Game 3 in Houston, where they hope to extend their series lead.
Game 3 is set for April 24, and the Lakers will need to maintain their momentum against the Rockets.
Reaves' participation remains uncertain, but if he progresses well, he could make a return in Game 6 or 7 if the series extends.
The Lakers will continue to monitor Dončić’s recovery closely, aiming for a possible return in the second round if they advance.