The Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Houston Rockets in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs in a series that, for the time being, will not start with either Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves.
The two leading scorers for the Lakers are out for at least the first few games, as Doncic deals with a grade 2 hamstring strain, and Reaves a grade 2 oblique strain.
However, that has been known, and while the chance remains one or both of the stars could return from their injuries at some point in the series, right now, the two are featured on the Lakers’ injury report.
Lakers Get Good News With Injury Report Before Game 1 Vs Rockets
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
While Los Angeles will start the series without Doncic and Reaves, the good news for the team is that they are the only two listed on the injury report in the lead-up to Game 1.
The Lakers don’t have any other players listed as questionable, doubtful, out, or with any injury status for that matter.
Los Angeles was dealing with some injuries in the final stretch of the regular season, as LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Jaxson Hayes all sat at different points with varying health concerns.
However, none of them are listed on the injury report. There were questions about Smart’s availability, as he was dealing with an ankle injury that kept him out for an extended period, but for the time being, outside of the two stars, the Lakers have a good bill of health.
What might be more good news for the Lakers is that Kevin Durant is listed as questionable on the injury report for the Rockets, currently dealing with a right knee contusion, according to the team.
Durant had been healthy for much of the season, making his addition to Houston’s injury report somewhat surprising. The Rockets also have Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams listed as out, as both are dealing with season-ending injuries.
Still, Durant remains dangerous in the postseason and a key part to the Rockets winning this series, so his injury status will be something Los Angeles will keep an eye on until the tipoff of Game 1.
When Are Luka Doncic And Austin Reaves Coming Back?
It remains to be seen when either Doncic or Reaves will return for the Lakers. According to head coach JJ Redick, the two are ‘out indefinitely’ but will be re-evaluated sometime next week, after the team’s first-round series against the Rockets begins.
As for Reaves, his timeline is a bit more straightforward. He is reported to be out for four to six weeks, which would line up with a potential return around either Game 6 or Game 7 of the series, at best.
There have also been multiple reports about Reaves getting back on the court around the time of Game 5, but until he is re-evaluated and the Lakers offer an injury update, any potential return remains to be determined.
As for Doncic, his timeline is very uncertain. He was originally ruled out for an indefinite period. The Slovenian star did travel to Spain for additional treatment to speed up his recovery. Until he is re-evaluated, his status is still unknown.
Some have predicted Doncic to be available at some point in the series, and others have reported that he will likely miss the series.
At this point, any return announcements on either Doncic or Reaves remain speculation and will stay that way until the team announces an official update. Regardless, the two would be a massive help for the Lakers against the Rockets, as without them, Los Angeles is not predicted to win the series.
The Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets first-round playoff series tips off at 5:30 pm PST and will be live on ABC.
Lakers Get Good News Before Game 1 Of Rockets Playoff Series