Lakers Enter Second Round Minus Luka Doncic; Thunder Also Short-Handed for Game 1
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The Los Angeles Lakers will open their Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder without star guard Luka Doncic, head coach JJ Redick confirmed. Doncic remains sidelined by a Grade 2 hamstring strain and has no projected return date.
Redick told reporters there is “no update” on the All-NBA guard’s status as he continues rehab, according to Eurohoops. ESPN’s Shams Charania has labeled Doncic “week to week,” but the Lakers have not issued an official timetable.
Game 1 Injuries on Both Sides
Los Angeles has already ruled Doncic out for Monday’s Game 1 in Oklahoma City. The Thunder will also be down a starter, with forward Jalen Williams nursing a milder Grade 1 hamstring strain.
Redick Banking on Collective Effort
“The reason our team is winning is because of our team. Each guy is starring in his role,” Redick said via the Southern California News Group. That approach will be tested immediately against a top-seeded Thunder squad.
Ayton, Smart Look to Reset Value
For Los Angeles to stay competitive, center Deandre Ayton may have to dominate inside. Redick called Ayton “the player who changes our ceiling the most,” while the big man told the Los Angeles Times his aim is to “be more physical and dominate the glass.”
Veteran guard Marcus Smart, who signed a discounted deal alongside Ayton, echoed that urgency. “We’re both trying to get our names back,” he said to The Athletic.
Other Factors
Shooter Luke Kennard struggled late in the first round and could see a larger role as he approaches free agency. Off the court, LeBron James addressed long-running comparisons with Michael Jordan during an ESPN season-long interview, stating simply, “We’re both great.”
The Lakers enter the series without their leading scorer and playmaker, facing minimal margin for error against a Thunder roster that has made a habit of thriving through adversity.
Source: Hoops Wire
