Lakers Lose Dončić and Reaves, Face Final Stretch

The Lakers are set to finish the season without star guard Luka Dončić, who suffered a left hamstring strain, and guard Austin Reaves, who incurred a Grade 2 left oblique injury. Both sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, the pair had powered the team’s 17–6 post-All-Star run.

With five games left, coach JJ Redick said the focus shifts to available players, while LeBron James will shoulder more responsibility. The Lakers (50–27) remain third in the West, but the road to the playoffs tightens as the Nuggets close the gap.