SPORTS

Lakers lose without Doncic, Reaves as Flagg shines

PUBLISHED Apr 5, 2026, 11:35 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 91%

Right 9%

Sources: 11

DALLAS — The Los Angeles Lakers lost 134-128 to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night after Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were sidelined; Cooper Flagg scored 45 points while LeBron James led the Lakers with 30 points and 15 assists at American Airlines Center. The diagnoses of Grade 2 strains for Doncic (left hamstring) and Reaves (left oblique) rule both out for the remainder of the regular season, prompting immediate rotation changes, increased minutes for bench players, and questions about how the Lakers will preserve seeding this week and into the playoffs.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Team doctors diagnose Luka Doncic with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
Austin Reaves receives a Grade 2 left oblique muscle strain diagnosis.
Lakers play Mavericks in Dallas and lose 134-128 on Sunday evening.
Cooper Flagg follows a 51-point performance with a 45-point game versus the Lakers.
Lakers announce roster and rotation adjustments while LeBron James increases playmaking load.

News Intelligence

If you're a Lakers fan, this is a tough blow. Doncic and Reaves being out means the team's dynamic changes. You might see more of your favorite bench players stepping up. It's also a chance to see how LeBron handles an increased playmaking role.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10

Who Benefited

Bench players, role players and opposing teams gained immediate opportunity for increased minutes, usage, and exposure while the Lakers adjust rotations.

Who Impacted

The Los Angeles Lakers organization, playoff seeding prospects, and injured players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves suffered setbacks due to season-ending Grade 2 strains.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 10
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 91%, Right 9%

Who Benefited

Bench players, role players and opposing teams gained immediate opportunity for increased minutes, usage, and exposure while the Lakers adjust rotations.

Who Impacted

The Los Angeles Lakers organization, playoff seeding prospects, and injured players Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves suffered setbacks due to season-ending Grade 2 strains.