The Los Angeles Lakers opened their first postseason practice Tuesday without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, and head coach JJ Redick offered little clarity on when either could return.
“They’re out indefinitely,” Redick said after practice. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week. They’re out indefinitely.”
It was the Lakers’ first full session since the regular season ended. Everyone else was available — underscoring just how significant the absence of Dončić and Reaves remains heading into their first-round series against the Houston Rockets.
Luka Doncic Injury Update Includes Return Timeline—But No Clearance
Getty Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a play during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Redick did not provide a timeline, recent reporting suggests movement behind the scenes.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dončić is expected to rejoin the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday following a treatment stint in Madrid for his Grade 2 hamstring strain.
“I’m told, [he] is scheduled to rejoin the team in Los Angeles on Friday,” Stein reported on Monday.
Additional reporting from ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed the aggressive nature of that recovery process.
“Over the last week in Spain, the majority of that time, he’s been getting treatment on that hamstring,” Charania said on NBA Today. “He’s had multiple injections as well to see if he can promote healing.”
Despite that effort, the key detail remains unchanged: Dončić has not been cleared — and Redick’s latest update suggests that clearance is not imminent.
Austin Reaves Injury Compounds Lakers’ Backcourt Problem
GettyAustin Reaves reacts during a game as the Los Angeles Lakers await his return from an oblique injury ahead of a major contract decision.
Reaves is dealing with a Grade 2 oblique strain, another injury with a multi-week recovery timeline.
Charania noted both players are expected to be sidelined indefinitely, even as they push to return as soon as possible.
That leaves the Lakers without two of their top three offensive engines entering a playoff series where shot creation and spacing are critical.
Lakers vs Rockets Prediction: ESPN Insiders Favor Houston
The injuries are already shaping expectations around the series.
According to ESPN, 11 of 12 analysts and insiders are picking the Rockets to eliminate the Lakers in the first round. Only Marc Spears projected Los Angeles to advance.
ESPN’s Zach Kram echoed that outlook, predicting Houston in six games while acknowledging a narrow path for the Lakers.
“Despite their injuries, the Lakers have a legitimate chance in this series,” Kram wrote. “But I suspect that after a surprisingly competitive start, Houston will adjust and gain the upper hand.”
LeBron James Lineups Offer One Path Forward
GettyLeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors defenders during the second half at Chase Center.
There is, however, one encouraging data point for Los Angeles.
Kram noted that lineups featuring LeBron James without Dončić and Reaves posted a +9.0 net rating this season, according to databallr.
That suggests the Lakers can remain competitive — particularly if Redick leans into spacing-heavy lineups with James as the primary facilitator.
Still, sustaining that success over a seven-game series without their full backcourt presents a far greater challenge.
JJ Redick’s Message Signals Bigger Concern Than Timeline
Redick’s refusal to offer even a short-term update — despite Dončić’s expected return to Los Angeles — may be the most telling development.
It suggests the Lakers are prioritizing caution over urgency, even as the postseason begins.
For a team with championship aspirations, that leaves a difficult reality:
They may have to open the playoffs without Dončić and Reaves — and without certainty on when either will return.
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