Lakers Falling Apart: Luka Flies to Spain, Reaves Out 4-6 Weeks

The Lakers' playoff hopes just took a devastating hit. Luka Doncic has flown to Spain to receive a specialized injection in his injured left hamstring — a Grade 2 strain suffered in the April 2nd blowout loss to OKC. The move is an aggressive attempt to shorten his recovery timeline and get him back for the postseason, which starts April 18.

But it gets worse. Austin Reaves, LA's second-leading scorer, is out 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain — suffered in the same game. He's almost certainly missing at least the entire first round. Both injuries happened in the same loss to Oklahoma City.

That leaves LeBron James essentially alone. The Lakers are slipping behind Denver for the 3-seed and could fall as low as 5th. Without Luka and Reaves, they're looking at a first-round exit at best. Doncic is racing to heal. The clock is ticking.