Can LA Lakers Beat Houston Rockets Without Luka Doncic In The Playoffs?
The Los Angeles Lakers head into their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets with major uncertainty after injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
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The LA Lakers season has taken a sharp turn, with the team slipping from genuine title contenders to facing uncertainty about even getting past the first round of the playoffs. This downturn comes after injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both of whom were sidelined late in the regular season.
Recent reports suggest that neither player has a clear return date, leaving their availability up in the air. In a rare twist, both Doncic and Reaves picked up their injuries during the Lakers’ loss to Oklahoma City on April 2.
The duo has been crucial for the Lakers throughout the season, combining to average 56.8 points, 13.8 assists, and 12.4 rebounds per game. Doncic is expected to return to Los Angeles on Friday after traveling to Spain for treatment on his hamstring. Meanwhile, Reaves has remained in Los Angeles and was seen taking free throws with teammates following practice on Tuesday.
However, the nature of Reaves’ oblique strain could rule him out for the entire first-round series. The Lakers have yet to provide a concrete recovery timeline for either player, with such injuries typically requiring a month or more to fully heal.
“They’re out indefinitely”
JJ Redick on Luka and Reaves 💔💔 pic.twitter.com/ADgGxkYyl6
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 14, 2026
Can the LA Lakers overcome the Rockets?
The LA Lakers are set to face the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 18. While LeBron James remains capable of leading the team, the challenge becomes significantly tougher against a Rockets side led by Kevin Durant.
The Rockets finished the regular season fifth in the Eastern Conference, just behind the fourth-placed Lakers. Although the gap between the two teams was minimal, Los Angeles enters the series at a disadvantage due to the absence of Doncic and Reaves.
Even so, much will depend on how LeBron rises to the occasion without his two key teammates. If the LA Lakers manage to get past the Rockets and both Doncic and Reaves return in time for the second round, they could quickly re-emerge as strong contenders for the NBA Championship.
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