Luka Doncic providing Lakers a big playoff boost, even from the bench

Injured Lakers stars Luka Doncic, left, and Austin Reaves talk as they sit on the bench during the team's win over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 on Saturday. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press) When the doors opened after Lakers practice on Monday, injured stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were nearby as their teammates took some final shots after the session.

Doncic, who is back with the team after traveling to Spain to receive treatment for his Grade 2 left hamstring strain, sat out the Lakers' Game 1 win over the Houston Rockets. He also won't play in Game 2 on Tuesday , but he remained his usual joyful and playoff self after practice, his infectious personality providing a good vibe during a tense time for the team. But even without Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers still had an “elevated” two days of practice as they prepared to face the Rockets with or without All-Star Kevin Durant at Crypto.

com Arena. Read more: Luke Kennard provides a jolt of Luka magic, helping the Lakers beat the Rockets Doncic, who sustained his injury against Oklahoma City on April 2, hadn't been with the Lakers during their final five games of the regular season. Having him back around the team provided the Lakers with a big boost ahead of Game 1.

“It’s amazing. I think people don’t know how much impact Luka has, not only on the court, but off the court,” Rui Hachimura said. “He’s a guy that always wants to be around.