Austin Reaves nearing return for Lakers as Luka Doncic remains out indefinitely with hamstring strain: report

In early April, pinch conscionable 5 games remaining successful nan regular season, nan Los Angeles Lakers announced that prima defender Luka Doncic would beryllium sidelined astatine slightest until nan NBA playoffs.

Doncic’s setback was a Grade 2 near hamstring strain, a MRI confirmed. The reigning NBA scoring champion sustained nan wounded during an April 2 crippled against nan Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers besides entered nan playoffs without different cardinal personnel of their backcourt, Austin Reaves.

The shorthanded Lakers upset nan Houston Rockets successful nan opening crippled of their first-round Western Conference bid Saturday. Ahead of Game 2 connected Tuesday, nan Lakers reportedly received a clearer update connected nan wellness of astatine slightest 1 of their injured stars.

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Lakers defender Austin Reaves brings nan shot up tribunal during nan 2nd half against nan Washington Wizards successful Los Angeles connected March 30, 2026. (Ryan Sun/AP)

Reaves, who was diagnosed pinch an oblique strain, appears to beryllium progressing toward a return later successful nan first-round bid if it extends to six aliases 7 games. If nan Lakers beforehand sooner, he could beryllium connected way to return for nan Western Conference semifinals.

According to ESPN, Reaves precocious returned to nan believe tribunal for 1-on-1 drills. The 27-year-old will still request to advancement to 2-on-3 and past 5-on-5 activity earlier he tin beryllium cleared for playoff action, but he appears importantly further on than Doncic, who remains retired indefinitely.

Luka Doncic of nan Los Angeles Lakers controls nan shot against nan Orlando Magic successful nan first 4th astatine Kia Center connected March 21, 2026. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)

Doncic is improbable to play successful nan first round, sloppy of nan bid length. ESPN footage, showed him connected nan believe tribunal connected Tuesday, though nan six-time All-Star was not doing high-intensity work.

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The Rockets, contempt being wide favored successful nan opening information playoffs series, besides contended pinch cardinal injuries. Kevin Durant missed Game 1 pinch a knee contusion. He was cleared to play successful Game 2 connected Tuesday night.

Houston Rockets guardant Jabari Smith Jr. shoots nan shot against Los Angeles Lakers players Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia, Jaxson Hayes, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart during nan 2nd half of crippled 1 successful nan first information of nan 2026 NBA playoffs astatine Crypto.com Arena successful Los Angeles, California, connected Apr. 18, 2026. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

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LeBron James scored 19 points, while Luke Kennard led Los Angeles pinch 27 successful Saturday’s win.

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