The Lakers are going into the second round without Luka Doncic. What comes after that remains unclear.
Coach JJ Redick said there is “no update” on Doncic’s status as he continues to recover from a Grade 2 hamstring strain, per Eurohoops.
The team has already ruled him out for Game 1 against the Thunder, while Oklahoma City will also be without Jalen Williams, who is dealing with a less severe Grade 1 strain.
Doncic has been described as week to week by ESPN’s Shams Charania, but the Lakers have not offered a timetable for a potential return.
That leaves a lot on the table.
A panel from The Oklahoman noted Williams may be ahead of Doncic in recovery, but also pointed out the bigger issue. The Thunder can survive without Williams. The Lakers likely cannot do the same without Doncic.
Redick is taking a different approach.
“The reason our team is winning is because of our team,” he said, per the Southern California News Group. “Each guy is starring in his role.”
That mindset will be tested right away.
Lakers’ Hope?
If the Lakers are going to hang in this series, they will need a major impact from Deandre Ayton. Redick called him the player who “changes our ceiling the most,” while Ayton said his focus is to be more physical and dominate the glass, per the Los Angeles Times.
Marcus Smart is another piece to watch. He and Ayton both joined the Lakers on discounted deals and are looking to reestablish their value.
“We’re both trying to get our names back,” Smart said, via The Athletic.
LA State of Mind
There are smaller factors too. Luke Kennard could be one of them. The veteran shooter struggled late in the first round and may need to be more aggressive, especially with free agency approaching.
Meanwhile, LeBron James continues to do his part on and off the court. In a season-long conversation with ESPN, he addressed comparisons to Michael Jordan in simple terms.
“We’re both great,” James said.
That’s the backdrop. No Doncic. Limited margin. And a Thunder team that won’t make it easy.
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