The Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs in a series that, for the time being, will not start with either Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves.
The two leading scorers for the Lakers are out for at least the first few games, as Doncic deals with a grade 2 hamstring strain, and Reaves a grade 2 oblique strain.
However, that has been known, and while the chance remains one or both of the stars could return from their injuries at some point in the series, right now, the two are featured on the Lakers’ injury report.
Los Angeles Lakers get new injury updates and return timelines for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves before their first round playoff series against the Houston Rockets begins.
Lakers Get Good News With Injury Report Before Game 1 Vs Rockets
While Los Angeles will start the series without Doncic and Reaves, the good news for the team is that they are the only two listed on the injury report in the lead-up to Game 1.
The Lakers don’t have any other players listed as questionable, doubtful, out, or with any injury status for that matter.
Los Angeles was dealing with some injuries in the final stretch of the regular season, as LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Jaxson Hayes all sat at different points with varying health concerns.
However, none of them are listed on the injury report. There were questions about Smart’s availability, as he was dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out for an extended period, but for the time being, outside of the two stars, the Lakers have a good bill of health.
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Durant Questionable: A Surprising Development
What might be more good news for the Lakers is that Kevin Durant is listed as questionable on the injury report for the Rockets, currently dealing with a right knee contusion, according to the team.
Durant had been healthy for much of the season, making his addition to Houston’s injury report somewhat surprising. The Rockets also have Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams listed as out, as both are dealing with season-ending injuries.
Still, Durant remains dangerous in the postseason and a key part to the Rockets winning this series, so his injury status will be something Los Angeles will keep an eye on until the tipoff of Game 1.
When Are Luka Doncic And Austin Reaves Coming Back?
It remains to be seen when either Doncic or Reaves will return for the Lakers. According to head coach JJ Redick, the two are “out indefinitely” but will be re-evaluated sometime next week, after the team’s first-round series against the Rockets begins.
As for Reaves, his timeline is a bit more straightforward. He is reported to be out for four to six weeks, which would line up with a potential return around either Game 6 or Game 7 of the series, at best.
There have also been multiple reports about Reaves getting back on the court around the time of Game 5, but until he is re-evaluated and the Lakers offer an injury update, any potential return remains to be determined.
As for Doncic, his timeline is very uncertain. He was originally ruled out for an indefinite period. The Slovenian star did travel to Spain for additional treatment to speed up his recovery. Until he is re-evaluated, his status is still unknown.
“They’re out indefinitely. I’m not going to have an update for you this week. They’re out indefinitely,” JJ Redick said on the injury statuses of Doncic and Reaves.
Some have predicted Doncic to be available at some point in the series, and others have reported that he will likely miss the series. At this point, any return announcements on either Doncic or Reaves remain speculation and will stay that way until the team announces an official update. Regardless, the two would be a massive help for the Lakers against the Rockets, as without them, Los Angeles is not predicted to win the series.
The LeBron Factor: Carrying the Load
With Doncic and Reaves sidelined, the burden falls squarely on the shoulders of a 41-year-old LeBron James. He has been here before. He has carried teams that had no business winning. He has silenced doubters, defied Father Time, and delivered championships.
This might be his toughest challenge yet. The Rockets are deeper, healthier, and more talented on paper. But the playoffs are about superstars, and the Lakers have one of the greatest of all time.
LeBron has averaged 25.5 points, 11 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game since Doncic and Reaves were injured. He is ready for the moment.
The Series Outlook: A Heavyweight Battle
The Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets first-round playoff series tips off at 5:30 pm PST and will be live on ABC.
The Lakers are massive underdogs. The Rockets are favored to win the series. But the playoffs are unpredictable. Injuries can change everything. And the Lakers have LeBron James.
If Durant is limited by his knee contusion, the series could shift. If Doncic or Reaves return earlier than expected, the Lakers could gain momentum.
For now, the Lakers will rely on their defense, their role players, and their aging superstar.
Game 1 is Saturday. The stage is set. And the basketball world will be watching to see if the Lakers can pull off the upset.