Lakers’ Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves sidelined ‘indefinitely’ as playoffs begin

The Lakers are set to open their first-round series against the Rockets on April 18. They will likely have to do it shorthanded.

Both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been sidelined since early April, but there are at least some updates on each.

Doncic recently traveled to Spain for treatment on his left hamstring and is expected to return to the United States this week, per Shams Charania of ESPN.

“He spent the last week in Spain … he underwent multiple injection treatments in that hamstring,” Charania said. “My understanding is he’ll be back in the states … and they’re gonna reevaluate him.”

That reevaluation could be key.

Doncic is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, typically a four-to-six week injury, but the Lakers appear hopeful he could return at some point during the series.

Reaves, meanwhile, is on a different timeline.

“The earliest for him (to return) is gonna be that first week of May,” Charania said.

In other words, don’t expect him in Game 1.

“Both of these guys going into the playoffs … there is an expectation that they will be sidelined an indefinite period of time,” Charania added. “They’re both trying to get back ASAP.”

So that’s where things stand.

The Lakers have home-court advantage. They just might not have everyone available to use it.