Insider shares latest on return timelines for Lakers' Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers hit a brutal stretch last Thursday, and the timing could not be worse. Both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves went down with injuries during a 139-96 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

By Friday, Doncic received a diagnosis of a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, an issue that typically sidelines a player for over a month. He flew to Spain to explore treatment options that might speed up his recovery.

Then Saturday brought more bad news. Reaves was ruled out for four to six weeks with a Grade 2 left oblique strain.

Head coach JJ Redick made it clear the team needs to extend the season to give both players a chance at a playoff return.

Shams Charania reveals latest Luka Doncic, Reaves return outlook

The Lakers sit at 50-28, tied with the Denver Nuggets for the No. 3 seed and holding the tiebreaker. But upcoming matchups against the Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz will test the depth of this roster. Sunday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks offered an early look at how difficult that stretch might be.

On Monday, ESPN insider Shams Charania provided detailed updates on both injured stars during "NBA Today."

"The expectation around the Lakers right now is both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be sidelined indefinitely going into the playoffs," Charania said.

"I'm told Luka Doncic is currently in Spain. He traveled there because he's undergoing an injection procedure in that Grade 2 hamstring area to see if he can promote healing. At the end of the day, expedite his return process. He's doing everything he can to make it back out on the court."