Lakers Hit Hard: Austin Reaves Out for Season

Reaves out, Lakers in trouble

Austin Reaves ruled out for remainder of NBA regular season with oblique injury, joining Luka Doncic on injury list.

Lakers suffer double blow, Reaves and Doncic injured...

Austin Reaves is out for the rest of the regular season with a Grade 2 oblique muscle injury, dealing a huge blow to the Los Angeles Lakers' playoff chances. He's expected to miss four to six weeks, joining Luka Doncic on the injury list, as Doncic's season has ended due to a hamstring strain.

The Lakers are now facing a tough road ahead, with Reaves and Doncic being key players. Coach JJ Redick will have to rely on LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard to fill the gap. The team is currently third in the Western Conference, but the Denver Nuggets are hot on their heels.

“Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury and will be out for the remainder of the regular season,” the team announced.

The Lakers are facing a tough road ahead after losing key players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to injuries. The duo had been instrumental in the team's impressive March run, winning 15 of 17 games and climbing to third place in the Western Conference.

Doncic, who was averaging 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game, suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain, while Reaves, averaging 23.3 points, is dealing with a Grade 2 oblique injury. Both are expected to miss significant time, with Reaves potentially out for four to six weeks.

Just in on @SportsCenter – Lakers’ Luka Doncic will be sidelined indefinitely heading into the playoffs with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain: pic.twitter.com/3yXfJzHYTO

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 3, 2026

This is a huge blow to the Lakers' title hopes, as they now rely on LeBron James to carry the load. James will need to take on a bigger role, but he's already dealt with foot and sciatica issues this season.

The Lakers' momentum was brutally halted by the Oklahoma City Thunder's 139-96 mauling, leaving Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves with season-ending injuries. Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain, while Reaves has a Grade 2 oblique muscle injury, potentially sidelining him for 4-6 weeks.

Lakers' Austin Reaves is expected to miss four to six weeks with the Grade 2 oblique injury, sources tell ESPN. Devastating run of injuries to L.A.'s two leading scorers. Reaves and Luka Doncic are expected to be sidelined to begin the NBA playoffs. https://t.co/E2495zVWqH

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 4, 2026

This is a massive blow to the Lakers, who were riding high after winning 15 of 17 games in March. They're now facing a tough road ahead, with five games left in the regular season, starting with Sunday's road game against the Dallas Mavericks.

LeBron James will likely take on a bigger role, but the team's offense will be significantly impacted without Doncic and Reaves. The Lakers' playoff chances are uncertain, and fans are worried.