Lakers Injury Update: Will Luka Doncic, LeBron James & Austin Reaves Play Tonight vs. Clippers?
Coming from an otherwise murky stretch, the Los Angeles Lakers appear set to enter Friday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers at full strength.
After missing the last four games with a lingering left hamstring strain, Luka Doncic is expected to return to the lineup. Head coach JJ Redick confirmed following Thursday’s practice that the team anticipates having everyone available.
Additionally, his availability alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves has been limited, as injuries have disrupted continuity throughout the year.
Reaves, who recently returned from a calf strain that cost him 19 games, will no longer be on the 25-minute restriction that had him coming off the bench. He is likely to rejoin the starting lineup.
There are not many times we can say this so I’m gonna take full advantage…
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) February 19, 2026
🚨 THE LAKERS HAVE A FULLY HEALTHY INJURY REPORT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/pY1o80wZ1F
James, meanwhile, is also available after missing time due to sciatica and foot soreness earlier in the season. “Austin won’t have a minutes restriction, and as of 35 to 45 seconds ago, it looks like we’ll have everybody available tomorrow,” Redick said.
Doncic participated fully in practice and sounded optimistic when asked about his status. “I’m good. Feeling good,” Doncic said, joking about his brief five-minute appearance in the All-Star Game, where he was on a minutes restriction.
The timing of his return aligns with previous reports suggesting he would be ready following the All-Star break. The Lakers managed to go 2-2 during his absence, though they suffered a blowout loss to the San Antonio Spurs in a game where multiple starters sat on the sideline.
With the trio of Doncic, James, and Reaves combining to average over 80 points per game, Friday’s contest presents an opportunity for the Lakers to finally evaluate their core at full capacity.
Lakers Second Half Of NBA Season Relies On Luka Doncic, LeBron James & Austin Reaves
The Lakers enter the second half of the season looking like contenders on the surface. At 33–21 and fifth in the West, they’ve stayed afloat despite injuries to Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, who have missed a combined 56 games. But the underlying numbers raise questions straight to the face.
Despite elite individual production, the trio has logged just 152 minutes together and posted a surprisingly low offensive rating in those stretches. For a team built around high-level shot creation, the Lakers’ offense (116.3 rating, 11th in the NBA) hasn’t consistently reached contender status.
Defensively, improvement has come through increased zone usage. Since mid-January, their defensive rating has climbed to a respectable level, but whether that scheme holds up under playoff scrutiny remains uncertain.
One major swing factor is Deandre Ayton. The Lakers are dominant when he’s aggressive, 15–2 when he takes 10+ shots, and 22–7 when he grabs at least eight rebounds.
The final 28 games will decide everything. If the Big Three build rhythm and Ayton stays engaged, Los Angeles can contend. If not, the numbers may prove predictive.
Lakers Injury Update: Will Luka Doncic, LeBron James & Austin Reaves Play Tonight vs. Clippers?
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