Lakers Lose Dončić and Reaves to Injuries, Facing Final Stretch

Luka Dončić suffered a left hamstring strain that will sideline him for the rest of the season, and Austin Reaves was ruled out with a Grade 2 left oblique injury. The pair had been the Lakers’ primary playmakers, with Dončić averaging 33.5 points per game and Reaves contributing 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists.

With five games left, the Lakers (50-27) remain third in the West but face a tough finish against teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns. Coach JJ Redick said the focus is on who is available and getting the remaining players in a position to succeed.