Watch: Austin Reaves Snaps at OKC Fan After Luka Doncic Injury

The Los Angeles Lakers did not have a great game against the OKC Thunder, as not only did they suffer a disastrous defeat, but they also saw their star player, Luka Doncic, go down to a hamstring injury. Already handling the OKC defense, the Lakers were also facing the heat from fans at Paycom Center, who were simply unforgiving. 

With emotions flowing high, Austin Reaves got into an argument with an OKC Thunder fan. With just over seven minutes remaining in the third quarter, Doncic went down with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

As he was lying at the baseline, Reaves stood near him when he heard a ‘disrespectful’ remark from a Thunder fan. 

“Now you know what it’s like to play defense,” the fan was heard saying in the background. 

“Shut the f*** up! He’s hurt!” Reaves responded, upset with the remark.  

“F*** you,” the fan said in reply.

“F*** you,” Reaves responded with visible frustration.

Once Doncic was helped off the floor, Reaves made sure to let the fan know that his remark was disrespectful.

“Have some f****** respect,” he said.

The Lakers were getting blown out by the Thunder from the get-go. While the Thunder had one of the best shooting nights of the season, the Lakers barely shot 40 percent for the first three quarters. Thunder decimated the Lakers’ defense and locked Doncic in the first three quarters. 

On a frustrating night like this, the reaction from Reaves wasn’t surprising. But Reaves will have a chance to get even when the Thunder visits Los Angeles next week. However, taking on Thunder without Doncic would be a herculean task. 

How will Luka Doncic’s injury impact the Lakers?

Los Angeles currently sit third in the Western Conference, but questions now could be raised if they finish there. With just five games left, it has been reported that Doncic is expected to be out for the remainder of the season. While the Lakers have been impressive of late, they are just one game ahead of the Nuggets, and with games against the Thunder and the Phoenix Suns still left, things could get tricky for Purple and Gold.

Depending on the grade of hamstring he has suffered, Doncic’s return timeline will be decided. If it’s a Grade-1 hamstring injury, he will be out for 1-2 weeks. If his injury is Grade-2, he will be out for 3-6 weeks. While grade one would be encouraging, Doncic missing any amount of time makes the Lakers extremely vulnerable, especially with the playoffs just weeks away.

The Lakers’ Big-3 had started to click. Any pause in their chemistry will be dangerous for the Lakers. Moreover, it doesn’t need to be pressed enough how vulnerable the Lakers are without Doncic. 

As per the latest report, Doncic has traveled to Dallas with the Lakers, which perhaps could be a relief for the Purple & Gold.