
The Lakers made it through Round 1 without Luka Dončić and for 2/3 of the series, without Austin Reaves. Against OKC in Round 2, they'll have Austin back, but Luka is nowhere near ready to play, still without a timetable and not doing anything approaching true on court work at speed. And given how fast this series will move -- it's an every other day affair -- there's a very good chance Luka won't be available for any of it. Even if it goes longer than anyone expects. That's how the Lakers are likely approaching things. Plus, they do need to be careful about rushing Luka back for a series that is potentially too far gone, and putting a full, robust offseason in jeopardy. Because the last thing the Lakers want is for this injury to linger. Meanwhile, the pressure will be on Austin Reaves to step up. The challenge is significant, and Reaves's splits this season against the Thunder are bad. But with a huge free agent summer coming, this is an important step for Reaves, to perform ...
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