The Los Angeles Lakers faced a significant challenge against the Milwaukee Bucks, entering the game without their three best players, and potentially their four, depending on individual perspectives on Rui Hachimura. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, starting guard Austin Reaves was surprisingly ruled out with a right ankle sprain, joining Luka Dončić (right ankle sprain), LeBron James (left groin strain), and Hachimura (left patellar tendinopathy) on the sidelines.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report
Maxi Kleber, acquired in the Dončić trade, remained out due to right foot surgery. Defense-first reserves Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management) and Jarred Vanderbilt (strained right groin) were listed as doubtful. The Lakers’ demanding schedule likely influenced coach JJ Redick’s decision to rest Reaves, Finney-Smith, and Vanderbilt, all of whom had been healthy for the previous four games. The Lakers have gone 3-2 in their last five games during this stretch.
This strategy aligns with the Lakers’ long-term goals. With a 43-25 record and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, Redick is prioritizing playoff readiness. Resting key players now could prove beneficial for a potential deep playoff run.
Austin Reaves had been performing exceptionally well during this challenging stretch, averaging 29.0 points on .525/.404/.952 shooting splits, 7.2 assists, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals while playing 37.2 minutes per game. For the season, the 26-year-old Reaves is averaging career-highs of 19.6 points on .447/.364/.874 shooting splits, 6.0 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game.