The Los Angeles Lakers made an unexpected off-court move ahead of the postseason, announcing an expansion of courtside seating as they prepare for the playoffs despite mounting injuries to key players.
In a press release issued on Thursday, as the Lakers visit the Golden State Warriors, the franchise revealed plans to introduce a new second row of courtside seating — labeled “Courtside Reserve” — for the postseason. The addition marks a notable change to one of the league’s most exclusive seating areas, where courtside access has historically been limited.
GettyJennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck courtside during the game between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 07, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers announced on Thursday that they will offer a second courtside row for the playoffs.
The team said the new section will include premium amenities such as in-seat food and beverage service and VIP access, part of a broader effort to enhance the in-arena experience during high-demand playoff games.
Injury Updates Cloud Lakers’ Playoff Outlook
The announcement comes at a challenging moment for Los Angeles.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, Austin Reaves is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season with a Grade 2 oblique strain and could be sidelined for four to six weeks. The timeline puts his availability for the opening round of the playoffs in serious doubt.
Reaves has been one of the Lakers’ most consistent offensive contributors this season, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 51 games.
The Lakers are also without Luka Dončić, who has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Dončić has traveled to Spain for specialized treatment in an effort to accelerate his return timeline, Charania reported.
He averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in 64 games this season and has been central to the team’s offensive identity.
Dončić is expected to rejoin the team next week, according to ESPN’s Malika Andrews.
“I was in Crypto.com Arena last night, and I’m hearing Luka could be back around the team as early as next week,” Andrews reported on NBA Today on Wednesday.
With both players sidelined, the scoring burden is expected to fall more heavily on LeBron James as the Lakers attempt to hold their position in a crowded Western Conference race.
Lakers Fighting for Homecourt Advantage
The standings have already begun to shift.
Since the injuries to Dončić and Reaves, Los Angeles has slipped out of the No. 3 seed and is now tied with the Houston Rockets in the 4-5 range. The Lakers trail the Denver Nuggets by 1 1/2 games for third place with just three games remaining in the regular season.
The final stretch will be critical in determining whether the Lakers can secure home-court advantage or fall into a more difficult playoff path.
New Lakers Ownership Shapes Organizational Direction
GettyMark Walter attends Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation annual Blue Diamond Gala at Dodger Stadium on June 16, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
The move also follows a major change at the ownership level.
Mark Walter, who also owns the Los Angeles Dodgers, purchased the Lakers last year in a deal that valued the franchise at $10 billion — the highest control-sale valuation in the history of team sports.
The courtside expansion aligns with a broader emphasis on maximizing premium experiences during marquee events. The rollout also reflects a more strategic approach to marketing and scheduling as the postseason approaches.
With injuries mounting and playoff positioning still unsettled, the Lakers are adjusting both on and off the court — with little room for error as the postseason nears.
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