With the 2026 NBA regular season coming to an end, the Los Angeles Lakers finished as the 4 seed in the Western Conference with a 53-29 record. But, as everybody gears up for the playoffs, the Lakers have some concerns: Injuries.
Injuries
Luka Dončić (33.5ppg— 1st in the NBA) suffered a grade 2 left hamstring strain on April 2nd, 2026, during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dončić would leave the game and not return. Dončić traveled to Spain the following week to receive injections and treatment for the injury and will be reevaluated, hopeful of making a return during the first round.
In the same game, the Lakers’ Austin Reaves (23.3ppg) suffered a grade 2 left oblique strain. Unlike Dončić, Reaves was able to finish the game, but after a re-evaluation has been ruled out completely for the first round of the playoffs. These injuries come at an unfortunate time for the Lakers, who head into the playoffs without their starting backcourt.
Can The Lakers Step Up?
Dončić and Reaves being out for the first round leaves a huge void in the Lakers’ offense. Dončić alone generates over 50ppg for the Lakers with his combined points and assists. If the Lakers want to get by the first round and give their two leading scorers a chance to participate in this year’s playoffs, they’re going to need players to step up. Players like DeAndre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, and Marcus Smart will all have big roles to play in the first round against a tough Houston Rockets team led by Kevin Durant. Without Dončić and Reaves, these guys will be expected to expand their roles to extend the Lakers’ championship hopes.
And of course, the Lakers will need some vintage LeBron James playoff moments if they wish to make it past the opening round. Even at the age of 41, LeBron is being asked to lead a team through the playoffs once again. The 4x NBA Finals MVP has taken a backseat this year to let Dončić and Reaves run the show, but is still averaging an efficient 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists.
As we head into the playoffs, James is being tasked with pushing the Lakers past the first round in hopes of getting Dončić and Reaves back for the remainder of the playoffs. Many fans believe that it’s up to LeBron to keep the Lakers in championship contention with the absence of Dončić and Reaves. James is known to rise to the occasion in the playoffs, and fans expect him to do so just as he has done in the past. LeBron has carried subpar teams in the postseason throughout his illustrious career, but will he be able to do it again at his current age?
