LOS ANGELES — The Lakers will enter the postseason without two of their top scorers. Head coach JJ Redick confirmed Tuesday that Luka Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (Grade 2 left oblique injury) are both “out indefinitely,” eliminating any chance of either player suiting up when the first-round series against the Houston Rockets opens this weekend.
Redick offered no timetable for a return. “They’re out indefinitely. I’m not going to have an update for you this week,” he told reporters after practice.
Doncic, who recently spent time in Spain for additional treatment on his hamstring, and Reaves, sidelined since suffering his oblique injury, remain at risk of aggravating their soft-tissue issues if rushed back too quickly. The team has not specified whether either could rejoin the lineup later in the series.
Without the All-NBA guard and the versatile wing, LeBron James is expected to assume primary playmaking duties. Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard will handle additional ball-handling responsibilities, while Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton are likely to see larger offensive roles. Redick emphasized the need for collective defensive focus to compensate for the lost scoring punch.
Jaxson Hayes Cleared for Game 1
The club did receive encouraging news on its frontcourt depth. Center Jaxson Hayes, who missed the last four regular-season games with a left foot injury, participated fully in Tuesday’s session and is available for Game 1.
The Lakers host Houston in Game 1 on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: Lakers Nation
