The Los Angeles Lakers entered April in a strong position in the Western Conference standings, but a sudden wave of injuries has shifted the team’s outlook heading into the postseason. After finishing March with a 14-2 record and holding the No. 3 seed, Los Angeles is now facing uncertainty with key players sidelined.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the team’s top two scorers this season, are both expected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to injuries. Doncic is dealing with a hamstring strain, while Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 oblique injury. The Lakers have already dropped games in April, including a 134-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
The change in circumstances has led to a clear shift in messaging from head coach JJ Redick. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin shared that Redick initially emphasized securing the No. 3 seed following Doncic’s diagnosis. However, after the latest injury updates on Reaves, Redick said, “seeding is out the window,” signaling a new approach as the playoffs approach.
JJ Redick Shifts Focus Amid Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Injuries
GettyLos Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick
The Lakers now face the challenge of navigating their final regular-season games without their primary offensive options. Doncic’s injury carries a recovery timeline of three to six weeks, ensuring he will not return before the postseason. Reaves, who averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds, is also now sidelined through the regular season.
With four games remaining, Los Angeles could fall as low as the No. 5 seed. The Denver Nuggets currently hold a narrow lead for third, while the Houston Rockets are close behind in the standings.
The Lakers’ remaining schedule includes matchups against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz. Among those, only Utah presents a relatively favorable matchup given the current roster limitations.
Compounding the issue, LeBron James has also been managing a foot issue and was ruled out for the Thunder matchup due to injury management. His absence further reduces the team’s ability to compete in the short term.
With seeding no longer the priority, the Lakers are expected to focus on maintaining player health and preparing for the postseason. Redick’s comments reflect a recognition that the team’s immediate goal has shifted from positioning to survival until key players return.
Austin Reaves, Dallas Mavericks MRI Dispute Draws Response
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves
Reaves’ injury diagnosis also led to an unusual exchange between the Lakers and Mavericks regarding the initial MRI process. Redick stated that the first scan conducted in Dallas did not focus on the correct area.
“I don’t know where the chain of command lies with Dallas imaging, but they scanned the wrong area,” Redick said (via ESPN). “Not on our end. We were explicit in what was supposed to be scanned.”
The Mavericks responded to those comments in a statement shared publicly, saying, “Our medical team followed standard imaging protocols based on the information provided at the time. There was no error in the scan performed.”
Reaves was later diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique strain after undergoing further evaluation. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the injury is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.
The injury occurred during the Lakers’ loss to Oklahoma City, where Reaves returned to finish the game before further testing revealed the severity of the issue.
The situation adds another layer to what has been a difficult stretch for Los Angeles. With injuries to both Doncic and Reaves, and ongoing management of James’ workload, the Lakers are entering the postseason with a reshaped roster and limited margin for error.
For now, the organization’s focus has shifted from standings to recovery as it prepares for a playoff run without its full complement of players.
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