The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the NBA Playoffs while awaiting the recoveries of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, both of whom remain sidelined with injuries.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha reported on Run It Back that the team expects Dončić to return before Reaves. Dončić is recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, while Reaves is dealing with a Grade 2 left oblique injury.
Buha said Dončić traveled to Spain for treatment, and the Lakers hope the move could shorten his recovery by several days to about a week. Reaves is expected to require a recovery timeline of four to six weeks, according to the report.
Both players were injured late in the regular season as the Lakers prepared for the playoffs. They have already been ruled out for Game 1 of the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, and their availability for the remainder of the series remains uncertain.
With both players sidelined, the Lakers are expected to rely heavily on LeBron James as they begin their playoff campaign.