With two games in the bag during the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers are still waiting patiently for the return of their sharpshooters, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
While they are recovering from setbacks, the veteran standout Marcus Smart recently dished some details on how they’ve been while inactive from basketball activity.
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 20: Marcus Smart #36 of the Los Angeles Lakers during play against the Los Angeles Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome on December 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
“They’ve been great,” Smart told EssentiallySports.
“They’re very encouraging. I’m looking at Luka and AR on the bench when I do something, or I see something and see what they see. Then I’m getting their input. Their spirits are high. They’re coaching us. They’re over there cheering us on. When you’ve got those guys doing that even though they’re out, it helps the spirits a lot.”
The Lakers Are Thriving
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.
Without Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers are thriving.
Entering the first-round series against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers had very little support. Most predicted the Rockets to win with ease.
In Game 1, the Rockets shockingly lost Kevin Durant to a knee contusion hours before the game. As a result, the Lakers started the series off with a victory.
Durant made his way back out on the court for Game 2, and the results didn’t change. Another strong outing from the Lakers allowed LA to take an impressive 2-0 lead while missing their dynamic duo of scorers.
What’s The Latest On Doncic And Reaves?
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Luka Doncic #77 and Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers hold hands during a time out in the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Doncic is dealing with a hamstring injury. Reaves is out with an oblique-related setback. Neither of them has a timeline for a return in place, which leaves the Lakers’ roster a mystery moving forward.
The assumption is that Reaves is closer to returning than Doncic. One report this week suggested that Doncic could actually miss the entire first round against the Rockets even if it goes to seven games.
But nothing is set in stone as of now. For the time being, the Lakers are worried about the players who are suiting up on game night, leaving the injury stuff up to the medical team.
Meanwhile, Doncic and Reaves are remaining positive presences as they work on getting healthy and back out on the court.
Following a 101-94 win on Tuesday, the Lakers and the Rockets will be back on the court for Game 3 on Friday, April 24.
Lakers Vet Gives Positive Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Update