Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Lakers Facing Bronny James Decision After Unfortunate News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Apr 4, 2026 6:13 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be peaking at the perfect time. Entering their matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles had surged into the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, winning 13 of their previous 14 games and establishing themselves as a legitimate contender heading into the postseason.

But that momentum came to a sudden halt Thursday when the Lakers were blown out 139-96 by the league-leading Thunder, a result that quickly raised immediate concerns about their depth against elite competition.

The bigger concern, however, came during the game itself. Luka Doncic exited in the third quarter with a hamstring injury, and further evaluation confirmed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) helps guard Luka Doncic (77).Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Doncic has since been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season, with a recovery timeline that could stretch into the playoffs, leaving his availability uncertain beyond that.

The setbacks did not stop there. On Saturday, head coach JJ Redick revealed that Austin Reaves was also dealing with an injury and had undergone imaging after the Thunder loss, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin . Hours later, ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed the diagnosis: a Grade 2 oblique strain.

Lakers' Austin Reaves is expected to miss four to six weeks with the Grade 2 oblique injury, sources tell ESPN. Devastating run of injuries to L.A.'s two leading scorers. Reaves and Luka Doncic are expected to be sidelined to begin the NBA playoffs. https://t.co/E2495zVWqH
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 4, 2026

The injury typically requires a 4-6 week recovery window, ruling Reaves out for the rest of the regular season and potentially the first round of the playoffs.

With both Doncic and Reaves sidelined, the Lakers’ backcourt has been significantly depleted. Redick also noted that Marcus Smart is still managing an ankle issue, leaving the team short-handed at guard during a critical stretch.

That situation could force the Lakers into a decision involving Bronny James. Now in his second season, James has struggled to secure consistent minutes, frequently moving between the NBA roster and the G League.

For the season, James is averaging 2.4 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 39.1% from the field and 37.5% from three across 37 appearances. His role has been inconsistent, but the current injury crisis could change that quickly.

James has also shown some flashes when given the chance to play. He scored 10 points in 18 minutes against the Thunder and recorded a season-high 12 points against the San Antonio Spurs in February.

The opportunity to crack the Lakers’ rotation comes at a crucial moment. The Lakers have five games remaining against the Dallas Mavericks, Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz, and sit just one game ahead of the Denver Nuggets (No. 4 seed).

While James is unlikely to replicate the production of Doncic, who leads the league in scoring, or Reaves, the circumstances could present him with the most significant stretch of his young career. With the Lakers fighting to maintain playoff positioning, he now has a chance to earn Redick’s trust and prove he can contribute when it matters most.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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