Los Angeles Lakers rule out Luka Doncic indefinitely ahead of playoffs
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has confirmed that star guard Luka Doncic remains sidelined indefinitely as the team begins preparations for their first-round play-off series against the Houston Rockets.
The Slovenian playmaker is currently rehabilitating a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in Spain, where he has received multiple injections.
He is expected to return to California on Friday to rejoin his team-mates before Game 1 on Saturday.
Fellow backcourt starter Austin Reaves is also recovering from a Grade 2 left oblique strain suffered against the Oklahoma City Thunder on 2 April.
James to shoulder offensive burden
With their primary ball-handlers unavailable, the 17-time NBA champions will rely heavily on LeBron James against Houston.
The 23-year veteran recently earned Western Conference Player of the Week honours after guiding his side to three wins in their final four regular-season games.
“I do think we have other options [other than] just him having the ball and going against a set defense every single possession,” Redick stated.
The coaching staff plans to implement varied offensive schemes to counter the defensive coverages deployed by their Texan opponents.
Rebounding battle crucial for advancement
The upcoming series presents a significant stylistic clash, particularly on the glass.
Houston dominated the league in rebounding this season, leading the NBA with 48.1 total boards and 15.0 offensive rebounds per game.
Conversely, the Los Angeles franchise struggled significantly in that department, finishing 27th overall in the regular season standings.
To address this disparity, the coaching staff subjected the roster to intensive box-out drills during Tuesday’s focused practice session.
“Taking care of the basketball and boxing out, that’s the series,” the Lakers manager explained.
“Scheme, personnel, obviously important, but if we don’t take care of the ball and we don’t box out, we’re not going to win the series.”
Scouting a formidable opponent
Preparations will intensify throughout the week as the squad studies a dangerous Houston roster.
The opposition features prolific scorer Kevin Durant, ascending Turkish centre Alperen Sengun and highly athletic wing Amen Thompson.
Despite the daunting task and injury setbacks, the technical staff remains confident that their meticulous scheduling will have the group primed for the weekend opener.
