“It’s been really nice. He definitely rebounded and passed on some shooting drills. … Having the group together two out of the last three days has been really nice.” – JJ Redick on having Luka Doncic back at the practice facility
Getty
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are at the Lakers' practice facility
The Los Angeles Lakers return to the court for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, holding a 1-0 lead after Saturday’s 107-98 win. Los Angeles earned the opener despite continuing to play without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, two of the team’s top offensive options.
With Game 2 approaching, attention has shifted to the recovery progress of both injured guards. Doncic has been sidelined since April 2 with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, while Reaves has missed time with a left oblique strain. Their availability remains one of the biggest storylines in the series.
The latest update from coach JJ Redick offered encouragement. Redick said Doncic has rejoined team activities at the practice facility, an important sign as the Lakers assess possible return timelines as the first round deepens.
Getty Los Angeles Lakers Head coach JJ Redick
Redick spoke positively about having Doncic back around the team as recovery continues.
“It’s been really nice,” Redick said, via ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin. “He definitely rebounded and passed in some shooting drills. I think having the group together two out of the last three days has been really nice.”
“It’s been really nice. He definitely rebounded and passed on some shooting drills. … Having the group together two out of the last three days has been really nice.” – JJ Redick on having Luka Doncic back at the practice facility
The update does not confirm a Game 2 return, but it does indicate progress. Doncic was at the Lakers’ practice facility alongside Reaves, Jake LaRavia, and Jarred Vanderbilt while players worked through shooting routines.
For Los Angeles, Doncic’s presence around practices matters beyond on-court work. He is one of the team’s primary creators and had been in strong form before the injury.
The Lakers have not announced a firm return date. Earlier recovery projections suggested a minimum four-week absence, which could have sidelined Doncic for most or all of the first round.
Still, recent scheduling gaps in the series have created more recovery time between games. That has fueled optimism that Doncic could return later in the matchup if progress continues.
The Lakers entered the postseason needing star power to contend in the Western Conference. Getting Doncic back at any point would significantly change their ceiling in the series.
Until Doncic and Reaves are cleared, Los Angeles continues to rely heavily on LeBron James.
James led the Lakers in Game 1 with 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds, controlling tempo and helping a short-handed lineup take the series lead.
Luke Kennard added a playoff career-high 27 points, while Deandre Ayton posted 19 points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura also provided key support.
Reaves remains another major absence. The guard is enjoying a career-best season and has become one of the Lakers’ most important scorers and secondary playmakers. His recovery from an oblique strain remains ongoing.
The Lakers’ Game 1 win gave them breathing room, but the challenge could become tougher if Houston gets Kevin Durant back after he missed the opener with a right knee contusion.
That makes health updates for Doncic and Reaves even more important heading into the next phase of the series.
For now, Redick’s comments offer the clearest sign yet that Doncic is progressing and re-engaging with the team in a meaningful way.
Game 2 now becomes the next checkpoint. Even if Doncic does not play immediately, the Lakers will view each practice appearance and increased workload as a step toward a possible return later in the series.
Debayan Biswas is a sports writer covering the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He focuses on breaking news, trades, and player stories. His work has been featured by Athlon Sports and Pro Football and Sports Network, with republication across platforms including Yahoo Sports and Yardbarker. More about Debayan Biswas
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