Report: Lakers not expecting injured stars to return versus Rockets

April 17, 2026 - 00:38

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to begin their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets with a significantly depleted backcourt. Team sources indicate there is no expectation that either star guard Luka Doncic or starting shooting guard Austin Reaves will be available for the series' commencement.

Doncic, the team's primary playmaker and scoring leader, is managing a persistent knee issue that sidelined him for the final stretch of the regular season. His absence leaves a monumental void in the Lakers' offensive creation and overall game planning. Alongside him, the loss of Austin Reaves, a reliable two-way contributor and floor spacer, further strains the team's perimeter depth and scoring options.

This development forces head coach Darvin Ham to explore alternative lineups and rotations earlier than anticipated in the postseason. Increased responsibility will likely fall upon veteran point guard D'Angelo Russell to orchestrate the offense, while role players will need to elevate their production to compensate for the missing firepower.

Facing a young and athletic Rockets team, the Lakers' ability to adapt and find scoring from other sources becomes the immediate storyline. The health of Doncic and Reaves moving forward remains a critical factor for any potential extended playoff run, but for now, the team must navigate a tough initial challenge without them.