The Los Angeles Lakers’ backcourt situation is getting murkier by the day as the playoffs draw near.
Guard Austin Reaves is set to miss four to six weeks after suffering a Grade 2 oblique injury, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Saturday.
The injury to Reaves comes after superstar backcourt partner Luka Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season and leaving his status for the playoffs uncertain.
With just over a week left in the regular season, the recovery timeline for Reaves may rule him out for the majority of the post-season, depending on how far the Lakers are able to advance.
Reaves has enjoyed a stellar season for L.A., averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 49 per cent from the field and 36 per cent from three-point range.
The 27-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, with reports that he will decline his $14.9 million player option for the 2026-27 campaign.
The Lakers have already secured a spot in the playoffs and sit third in the Western Conference with a 50-27 record heading into Saturday’s action.
