Lakers Lose Dončić, Reaves to Season-Ending Injuries

Dončić suffered a left hamstring strain that will sideline him for the rest of the season, while Reaves was ruled out with a Grade 2 left oblique injury. The pair had powered the Lakers’ 17‑6 post‑All‑Star run, with Dončić averaging 33.5 points per game and Reaves contributing 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists.

With five games left, the Lakers must rely on LeBron James, who averages 20.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.9 assists, and the rest of the roster to secure a playoff spot. The team’s depth is further strained by Marcus Smart’s lingering injuries, and the Western Conference race tightens as Denver closes the gap.