The Lakers suffered a major blow in their first playoff game with both Doncic and Reeves sidelined.
2026-04-16 13:14 
April 16th - According to official reports, the Los Angeles Lakers will continue to be without their two core players, Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves, when they face the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Head coach JJ Redick confirmed that both players are currently "out indefinitely."
Doncic suffered a hamstring strain and Rivers a strained oblique muscle; both players missed the game against the Thunder after being injured. This season, the two have combined for 56.8 points, 13.8 assists, and 12.4 rebounds, forming the core of the Lakers' offensive system.
However, the Lakers will rely on LeBron James to shoulder the offensive burden during this period . In addition, Marcus Smart will return after missing nearly three weeks with an ankle injury, and Luke Kennard will take on more playmaking duties. The team will still have to contend with the Rockets' defensive pressure.
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