Lakers head coach JJ Redick has continued to maintain that Doncic and Reaves could return during the first-round series, though no definitive timelines have been set. In the meantime, the Lakers report progress on other fronts as they prepare for the series, with all remaining healthy players participating in practice ahead of Saturday’s game. Notably, LeBron James, who logged minutes despite foot and wrist concerns late in the regular season, took part fully in practice, and veterans Jaxson Hayes and Marcus Smart also returned to the floor.
The team used Tuesday’s practice to build momentum and assess roster depth ahead of the series. With Doncic and Reaves sidelined, LeBron James is expected to shoulder a larger offensive load, a role he has embraced as he has shown continued efficiency and scoring ability in limited late-season appearances.
As the Lakers navigate the absence of their leading scorers, attention turns to how they deploy James and utilize the rest of the rotation to counter a Rockets squad that earned the top-four seed in the Western Conference. The prevailing focus is on maintaining health and generating playoff momentum while awaiting clearer return timelines for Doncic and Reaves.
Overall, the Lakers enter the first round with optimism about a path forward if Doncic and Reaves can contribute in some capacity, while managing the realities of their current injuries. The coming days will determine how the team balances star power with depth as the postseason commences.
