Lakers still without Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves; expect bigger test in Game 2

The Lakers will again be without their starting backcourt for Game 2.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are both out Tuesday against the Rockets, as noted by The Athletic’s Dan Woike. That was the expectation, with Doncic working back from a left hamstring strain and Reaves dealing with a left oblique issue.

Doncic has not played in the series, but he has not exactly been absent.

According to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times, Doncic was a steady presence on the bench, talking, encouraging and staying engaged throughout Game 1.

“I think people don’t know how much impact Luka has, not only on the court, but off the court,” Rui Hachimura said. “We love him just being around.”

There is still no firm timeline for Doncic’s return, but the Lakers are clearly leaning on whatever they can get from him in the meantime.

On the floor, Game 1 belonged to Luke Kennard.

Coach JJ Redick has been pushing his sharpshooter to stay aggressive, even if it means sacrificing a little efficiency for volume. The message is simple. Keep firing.

“You shooting six or seven threes a game at 38 percent for the series is better than you shooting three a game at 45 percent,” Redick said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

Teammates were not surprised. Jaxson Hayes said he has seen Kennard do this going back to high school.

The bigger test is coming now.

Redick expects a much more desperate Rockets team in Game 2 and wants his group to match that edge. The preparation has reflected it. Longer film sessions, more teaching, more attention to detail.

“Every day requires something different,” Redick said, via the Orange County Register’s Benjamin Royer. “Tomorrow is going to require an elevated sense of desperation on our part.”

The Lakers handled Game 1. Game 2 should look a little different.