Lakers Struggle to Keep Up as Cooper Flagg Scores 45 Points in Loss to Dallas
DALLAS — The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating a challenging stretch as they cope with injuries to both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, their dynamic starting backcourt. This comes at a critical juncture in the season as the team fights for the No. 3 playoff seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
In Sunday’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center, the 41-year-old LeBron James took the lead for the shorthanded Lakers. Despite an impressive performance that included 30 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds, the Lakers fell short, losing 134-128.
Reaves has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season due to a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury, while Doncic faces an even longer absence with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Reports indicate that Reaves’ recovery could take four to six weeks, potentially sidelining him into the playoffs. Doncic’s injury status remains uncertain as well.
“We knew that Austin was likely going to be out for a little bit of time,” said Lakers coach JJ Redick. “Obviously, disappointed and devastated for him to have his regular season finish this way. Both those guys are going to try to come back and it’s our job to extend the season so that they can come back.”
The impact of their absence is significant; the Lakers are losing a combined 56.8 points and 11.2 assists per game. Doncic ranks fourth in the NBA in assists, averaging 8.3 per game, and is second on the Lakers in rebounds with 7.7 per game.
In addition to the injuries, the Lakers are also without Marcus Smart, who missed his seventh consecutive game due to right ankle soreness.
Despite these setbacks, the Lakers remain tied for third in the Western Conference with the Denver Nuggets, each boasting a 50-28 record. The Lakers hold the tiebreaker advantage. With only four regular-season games remaining, they will next face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena, followed by matches against the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns later in the week.
As the NBA playoffs approach, starting the weekend of April 18, Redick remains cautiously hopeful about Doncic’s potential return.
