Getty Lakers' Nick Smith Jr. during a game against the Phoenix Suns in April 2026 As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for their first-round playoff matchup against the Houston Rockets , the spotlight continues to center on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves . Both players were ruled out for the remainder of the regular season, with their availability for the postseason still uncertain, leaving a significant void in the Lakers’ backcourt at a critical time. In response, the franchise made a notable