The Lakers injury that is even more worrying than Luka Doncic's

Austin Reaves will miss at least the remainder of the NBA regular season with the Los Angeles Lakers after being diagnosed with a grade 2 muscle injury in his left oblique, worsening the team's delicate physical situation in the final stretch of the season.

The franchise confirmed the absence on Saturday, although without setting a specific return date. According to league sources, the estimated recovery period ranges from four to six weeks, which practically rules out his presence until the playoffs.

Reaves' absence adds to that of Luka Doncic, also indefinitely out with a grade 2 left hamstring strain. With both out of action, the team loses two of its main offensive generators just before the start of the playoffs.

Reaves had been feeling discomfort since the loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he felt a twinge in his side while going for a rebound. Nevertheless, he returned to the court and ended as the team's top scorer with 15 points.

The medical process was not without controversy, as an initial MRI did not evaluate the correct area. "I don't know what the responsibility of the Dallas imaging department is, but they scanned the wrong area. It's not our fault," explained coach JJ Redick.

Despite the adverse scenario, Redick made it clear that the team's objectives remain unchanged. "Our mission hasn't changed. We are going for the third spot and trying to win a playoff series," he stated.

The Lakers, with a record of 50-27, remain in third place in the West with a slight advantage over their direct pursuers, including the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, and Minnesota Timberwolves, all still with chances to climb in the closing of the regular season.

More Responsibility for LeBron and the Rest

Without Doncic or Reaves, the offensive burden will fall on figures like LeBron James, along with players such as Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton. James himself has taken on the challenge that lies ahead for the team.

"It's impossible to replace that impact. It has to be a collective effort. We all need to contribute a bit more," stated the veteran forward, who had recently reduced his offensive volume in favor of his teammates.

The change in context will require immediate adjustments in the Lakers' game, as they face the final games of the regular season needing to maintain their position and arrive in the best possible form for the playoffs starting in just two weeks.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La lesión en los Lakers que preocupa aún más que la de Luka Doncic