JJ Redick outlines Lakers' plan amid injuries to stars

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick watches game action during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

JJ Redick outlines Lakers' plan amid Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves injuries

By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 7:00 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers took another major hit on Saturday when the team announced guard Austin Reaves will miss the rest of the regular season with a Grade 2 oblique strain. The injury is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks.

That news came right after Luka Doncic got ruled out Friday with a hamstring issue, putting both players in danger of missing the opening playoff round.

JJ Redick challenges the Lakers to extend the season

The roster is suddenly in a tight spot. Questions are piling up about immediate adjustments and what comes next for the team's long-term plans.

Head coach JJ Redick isn't looking that far ahead yet. His focus right now is on keeping the season alive.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, Redick laid out what the Lakers need to do with two of their stars facing extended absences.

"Both those guys are going to try to come back," Redick said. "So, it's our job to extend the season so that they can come back."

“Both those guys are going to try to come back. So it’s our job to extend the season so that they can come back” - JJ Redick on the injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 5, 2026

LeBron James faces new pressure as Lakers chase playoff seeding

The pressure now falls back on LeBron James, 41, and he may need to shoulder an even bigger leadership role. Players like Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura will also need to step up in a major way.

The Lakers still control their own fate with five games left. They locked in a playoff berth last week and avoided the play-in tournament entirely, but seeding remains up in the air.

Los Angeles sits one game ahead of the Denver Nuggets and two games ahead of the Houston Rockets. The Minnesota Timberwolves fell four games back, which gives L.A. some breathing room.

Holding tiebreakers over Denver and Houston could end up being the difference. The Lakers didn't secure a specific seed yet, but they're in position to fight for home-court advantage if they can survive this stretch without two key rotation pieces.

Yagya Bhargava

Yagya Bhargava began his professional journey as a chef, but his passion for sports eventually led him into sports journalism. He started writing in 2022 and has since published more than 5,000 articles covering the NFL and NBA. Along the way, he’s worked with outlets like The Cold Wire, Sportskeeda, The SportsRush, and The Big Lead

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