NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
In an alternate universe, the first round NBA playoff series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets would be a star-studded affair, pitting some of the best in the game in an all-out slugfest. In reality, it now looks more like a triage center with most of the stars sidelined with injuries.
Late-season dings to hamstrings, obliques, and knees mean the opening salvo out west could be without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and the previously healthy Kevin Durant (questionable). That’s potentially three stars watching Game 1 from the sidelines.
Advertisement
For the Lakers, that means being severely depleted in a series that now rests on the shoulders of the man who wears the crown. LeBron James (41) has been beating Father Time with Reaves and Doncic on the shelf, going 23 points and 9.2 assists over the last five games, helping the Lakers close out the season with three consecutive wins.
Here is what to know about the Lakers’ injuries as they enter the series vs Houston:
1 / 58
Luka Dončić carries the physical toll of a demanding season
Luka Dončić carried a heavy workload throughout the season, often playing through physical challenges as the wear of the schedule accumulated.
Now sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, these images reflect moments when the strain of the year was visible as Dončić worked through injuries while leading his team.
Above, Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench at the end of the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on March 19, 2026, in Miami, Florida.
1 / 58
Luka Dončić carries the physical toll of a demanding season
Luka Dončić carried a heavy workload throughout the season, often playing through physical challenges as the wear of the schedule accumulated.
Now sidelined for the remainder of the regular season, these images reflect moments when the strain of the year was visible as Dončić worked through injuries while leading his team.
Above, Luka Dončić of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench at the end of the third quarter against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on March 19, 2026, in Miami, Florida.
2 / 58
Luka…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-vs-rockets-injury-updates-164204042.html
Author :
Publish date : 2026-04-18 16:42:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
