The Lakers started their week of preparation leading up to Saturday’s Game 1 meeting with the Rockets with the question on everyone’s mind.
When will Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves return?
Head coach JJ Redick fielded that question for the first of what will be many times on Tuesday and had a definitive, if not unclear, response.
“They’re out indefinitely,” Redick said. “I’m not going to have an update for you this week.”
Based on the latest reports, Luka is set to return to Los Angeles later this week.
From there, he’ll be re-evaluated after receiving treatment in Spain. Austin, meanwhile, is not close to a return and has not really had any updates on his status.
Outside of those huge caveats, though, the Lakers are back to full health heading into the postseason. That included LeBron James, who has been on the injury report with left foot injury management, as well as Jaxson Hayes, who missed the final four games of the regular season.
Hayes’ absence was also due to a foot injury, which he discussed after practice on Tuesday.
“Feeling a lot better,” Hayes said. “It’s nice getting a few days off, especially with my job. I jump a lot and I run a lot so it was hard for me to rest something like that. So getting those days off was very much needed and very helpful.”
Despite how things went about this time last season, Hayes is set to have an important role this postseason. While it won’t be as a starter, he will be a key figure off the bench.
Fortunately, the Lakers are going to head into the playoffs with Hayes and a host of options…even if it won’t include their two top stars.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
