Lakers playoff scenario clouded with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves injured

The Los Angeles Lakers produced a strong effort following the NBA All-Star Game to reach the third seed in the Western Conference standings. The Lakers were looking like a true playoff contender, having won 13 of their last 15 games. The only two losses during that stretch came against the Detroit Pistons and the Oklahoma City Thunder .

Both teams are the No. 1 seeds in their respective conferences. While LeBron James began to settle in as the No.

3 option behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, it could be up to the 22-time All-Star to serve as the leading man for Los Angeles during the first round of the playoffs. Coach JJ Redick felt confident throughout the season that his team would all come together at the right time for a strong finish. The Lakers’ roster dealt with various injuries early in the season, making it hard to put out a lineup featuring its top three stars.

The four-time NBA MVP did not play until mid-November, leaving the guards to lead the way early. Reaves and James are already ineligible for awards, and Doncic will have to appeal for an Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge if he doesn’t play in one of the final five games of the season. Luka Doncic injury update Doncic suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain that will sideline him for the rest of the regular season and his status remains unknown for the postseason.