LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating a late-season injury crisis that has sidelined two of their top offensive weapons for the remainder of the 2025-26 regular season, raising questions about their seeding and early playoff prospects despite already clinching a postseason berth.

Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves
IBTimes US

As of April 11, 2026, superstar guard/forward Luka Doncic remains out with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered April 2 in a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Austin Reaves is also sidelined with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle strain from the same game. Both players are expected to miss at least four to six weeks, putting their availability for the start of the playoffs in doubt.

Doncic, who led the NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game while adding 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists, grabbed his hamstring during the third quarter of the 139-96 defeat. An MRI confirmed the partial tear — his second significant hamstring issue this season. The 27-year-old Slovenian traveled to Spain for specialized medical treatment, including an injection procedure, in hopes of accelerating his recovery. His agent, Bill Duffy, confirmed the move after consultations with Lakers medical staff and Doncic's personal team.

Reaves suffered his oblique injury earlier in the same contest while reaching for a rebound. He initially returned to finish with 15 points but later required a second MRI after questions arose about the first scan performed in Dallas. The injury will sideline the reliable guard, a key playmaker and scorer, for the final stretch of the regular season.

The absences compound an already challenging situation for coach JJ Redick's squad. The Lakers entered April with momentum but have seen their depth tested repeatedly. Veteran guard Marcus Smart continues to miss time with a right ankle contusion, now in his eighth consecutive game out. Center Jaxson Hayes is dealing with left foot soreness and has been listed as out or questionable in recent contests.

Other notes from recent injury reports include occasional management of LeBron James' left foot issues, though the 41-year-old veteran has been available for most games after earlier-season absences tied to sciatica and foot arthritis. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt has been questionable at times with right calf soreness, adding to the uncertainty around the frontcourt.

The timing could not be more critical. With the regular season winding down and the playoffs set to begin around mid-April, the Lakers — currently holding a strong record near the top of the Western Conference — must rely on their remaining roster to secure favorable seeding. Without Doncic's scoring punch and Reaves' facilitation, the offense has shown signs of struggle, as evidenced by recent lopsided losses.

Redick has emphasized caution and long-term health. "We're not rushing anybody back," the coach said in recent comments. "The goal is to have our best players ready when it matters most in the postseason." He noted that Doncic remains in "relatively good spirits" during his recovery abroad, while Reaves continues receiving regular check-ins with the team.

Medical experts describe a Grade 2 strain as a partial tear that typically requires three to six weeks of rehabilitation, depending on the individual's response to treatment. Regenerative options like injections, common among elite athletes, can sometimes shorten that window to two to four weeks in optimistic scenarios. However, hamstrings and obliques are notoriously finicky injuries that demand careful management to avoid re-aggravation.

The Lakers' front office and training staff face difficult decisions in the coming weeks. Playoff eligibility rules and the need for rust-free performance mean any return will likely be gradual. Sources indicate the target remains an early-May availability at the earliest, which could align with a potential second-round series if the Lakers advance.

This injury wave comes after a season in which the Lakers successfully integrated Doncic following his arrival and built chemistry around James, Reaves and supporting pieces. The team's ability to weather the storm without its two leading scorers will test the depth provided by players like Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell (when healthy) and role players stepping up in crunch time.

Fan and analyst reaction has been mixed, with some expressing concern over the team's championship aspirations while others point to the Lakers' history of postseason resilience. The Western Conference remains highly competitive, with teams like the Thunder and Spurs boasting strong records and fewer injury concerns heading into the playoffs.

Beyond the immediate absences, the injuries highlight broader themes in the NBA: the physical toll of an 82-game season on high-usage stars and the importance of load management. Doncic's workload has been heavy all year, and this latest setback echoes previous durability questions. Reaves, known for his toughness, has generally stayed available but now faces a core injury that can impact shooting and movement.

As the regular season concludes, the Lakers will continue providing daily updates through official injury reports. The focus remains on rehabilitation protocols, strength and conditioning work, and preparing the supporting cast for heavier minutes.

For a franchise with 17 championships and a legacy of overcoming adversity, the current situation represents another test. Whether Doncic and Reaves can return in time — and at full strength — to make a meaningful impact could define the 2025-26 campaign.

As of Saturday, the full injury picture includes:

  • Luka Doncic: Out (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) — remainder of regular season; playoff status uncertain; receiving treatment in Spain.
  • Austin Reaves: Out (Grade 2 left oblique strain) — remainder of regular season; expected 4-6 weeks recovery.
  • Marcus Smart: Out (right ankle contusion) — multiple games missed.
  • Jaxson Hayes: Out/Questionable (left foot soreness).
  • Luke Kennard: Day-to-day (left finger injury management).

LeBron James and other key contributors appear closer to full availability, providing a foundation for the team to lean on.

The Lakers' next games will offer a window into how the roster adapts. With the postseason looming, every practice, treatment session and minute logged by healthy players carries added weight. The organization's medical and coaching staff will balance short-term competitiveness with the long-term goal of a deep playoff run.

In the end, the 2025-26 season has already delivered drama for Lakers fans. Now, as injuries mount at a critical juncture, the focus shifts to resilience, recovery and the hope that their stars can return when the games matter most.