Lakers Lose Doncic and Reaves Indefinitely; Redick Says No Update This Week

Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed Tuesday that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will remain out indefinitely as the team prepares for its first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets. The starting backcourt duo is sidelined with serious injuries, leaving the Lakers without their top playmakers for the early stages of the postseason.

Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2 and has been receiving treatment in Madrid. A league source revealed he will return to Los Angeles on Friday but will not play in Game 1. Grade 2 hamstring injuries typically require four to six weeks of recovery. Reaves also sustained a Grade 2 oblique strain in the same game and attended Tuesday's practice but did not participate.

Redick made it clear the team will not provide an update this week. "They're out indefinitely. I'm not going to have an update for you this week," he said, stressing the message.

The Lakers have now played 82 games this season without both Doncic and Reaves on the court together. Redick confirmed the team is not placing the entire offensive burden on 41-year-old LeBron James. "That's what we've had to do for 82 games for the last two years, so it's not any different," Redick said. "We're mindful. I do think we have other options other than just him having the ball and going against a set defense every single possession."

Redick outlined two key priorities for the Lakers in the upcoming series: "Take care of the ball and box out." The team is focused on extending the series long enough for Doncic and Reaves to potentially return later in the playoffs.

The Lakers enter the series as +550 underdogs, according to oddsmakers. Their opening game is scheduled for Friday at 10 p.m. ET in Los Angeles.