Lakers vs. Bucks: Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves Team Up with LeBron James on the Sidelines Due to Injuries

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves won’t play tonight as the Lakers take on the Milwaukee Bucks in Los Angeles. Both players are dealing with sprained ankles, and they’ll join LeBron James and Rui Hachimura on the sidelines. The Lakers announced this just before the game, which puts them at a disadvantage with their top scorers missing.

Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic. He believes his team has what it takes to adapt and compete, saying, “We feel like we have enough guys that can move and make shots and defend that we have a chance to win.”

On the other side, the Bucks are also facing some injury woes. Guard Damian Lillard will miss this game due to a calf injury. Coach Doc Rivers pointed out that while both teams are dealing with injuries, without Doncic and James, the Bucks might have the edge in health.

The Lakers’ schedule is pretty demanding—20 games in just five weeks. Recently, they enjoyed a three-game winning streak at home, yet they have more challenges ahead, including six additional games in March.

Despite their injuries, Doncic and Reaves had strong performances in their last game against Denver, where Doncic scored 31 points and Reaves added 22. However, Doncic has been managing an ongoing ankle issue and even sat out a game last week to rest. Reaves has been resilient, not missing a game since March 4, despite his own ankle troubles.

LeBron James will be out for his seventh straight game. Hachimura hasn’t played since late February. When asked about their potential return for the next game against Chicago, Redick expressed hope for at least one of them to be back.

The Lakers are also grappling with a tough stretch earlier this month, having to squeeze in a game against San Antonio that was postponed due to devastating wildfires in Southern California. This hectic schedule means they’re playing five home games in just a week before heading out to face the Orlando Magic.

Redick noted that navigating this tough schedule has been a challenge. “It’s not going to get any easier, but this has been a very difficult stretch just in terms of the schedule.”

Basketball enthusiasts on social media have been reacting to these injuries and the Lakers’ situation, with many voicing concerns about their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, reports indicate that teams benefit greatly from playing at home, which the Lakers have capitalized on, winning 16 of their last 17 home games.

For more in-depth NBA news and updates, check out the AP NBA section here.

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Austin Reaves, Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Damian Lillard, Dorian Finney-Smith, J.J. Redick, Athlete injuries, Milwaukee Bucks, Injuries, Doc Rivers, Los Angeles, CA State Wire, NBA, Sports, NBA basketball, Wildfires