Lakers’ Austin Reaves gives honest reaction to Luka Doncic hamstring injury amid unknown timeline originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to figure out how to play consistent basketball, as this season has been up and down so far. The Lakers finished their long road trip with a big win in Brooklyn on Tuesday night. However, on Thursday, Luka Doncic exited the game with a hamstring injury.
“Lakers star Luka Doncic limped off the court late in the second quarter and was ruled out for the rest of Thursday’s 119-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers,” ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote.
The Lakers felt Doncic’s absence down the stretch, but Austin Reaves had a fantastic fourth quarter, and LeBron James helped steady the team when it mattered most. Head coach JJ Redick provided an update after the game, though questions about the severity of the injury remain.
“JJ Redick said Luka Dončić felt some tightness in his hamstring in the 2nd Q; neither he nor the medical staff thought he could go back in the game. They’ll get further testing on it,” Lakers reporter Mike Trudell posted.
Missing Doncic for an extended period would be a major blow. It’s still unclear how much time he may miss. Reaves spoke about his hopes for his teammate’s recovery.
“Hopefully nothing major. We need him, he’s our best player and the engine [for] a lot of the stuff we do. Hopefully we get good news tomorrow and I wish him nothing but the best.” — Austin Reaves on Luka Doncic leaving Thursday’s game because of his left hamstring,” McMenamin posted.
Reaves knows how much Doncic adds to the Lakers, including the threat of an all-around game. For Reaves, he just hopes the injury isn’t as severe as his own recent hamstring issue.
Doncic is putting up incredible numbers this season. If he ends up missing significant time, all eyes will turn to LeBron James until Reaves fully recovers.