In an area known for occasional earthquakes, two updates from the Lakers have shaken their fans to the core.
First, the team announced Luka Doncic will miss the rest of the regular season with a Grade 2 hamstring strain he suffered against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then, reports confirmed Austin Reaves will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain. Losing their top two players has forced the Lakers to endure their biggest “next man up” test yet.
Though several key contributors could take up the mantle with LeBron James, could the teams’ 2024 draft picks get meaningful minutes as well?
With Doncic and Reaves Down, Could Lakers Sophomores Step Up?
Bronny James
Among the most scrutinized players outside of the big three, Bronny James has earned the trust of the Lakers’ coaching staff—whether fans like it or not. The team’s recent stretch without Marcus Smart (ankle) has forced James Jr. to enter the rotation. And while the numbers don’t always show it (2.4 points, 1.1 assists in 37 games), he has developed well in year two.
James has made a tangible impact with LA’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers, and he is bringing the same two-way mentality to his time in the NBA. Thursday’s game against OKC was his best scoring performance in Smart’s absence; he tallied 10 points on 4-8 shooting from the field (2-4 3PT) in 18 minutes. Beyond that, he has hit timely shots to settle the Lakers’ offense against subpar opponents and given the backcourt some life amid another injury-riddled period.
The absences of Doncic, Reaves and Smart could be a blessing in disguise for Bronny, who’s continuing to live out his dream after various setbacks along the way. He adds solid athleticism, shot creation and defense to the Lakers’ guard rotation and could showcase those skills with extended minutes going forward.
Dalton Knecht
It’s been an otherwise forgetful season for sharpshooting wing Dalton Knecht, who also found himself shuttling between the NBA and the G League and part of trade rumors that ultimately bore no fruit. He has averaged 4.0 points across 50 games on .446/.304/.700 splits.
Like James Jr., however, Knecht’s time on assignment has been a completely different story. He recently dropped 24 points and 13 rebounds to lead South Bay to the Western Conference Finals. Knecht has clearly regained his rhythm in the G League, a promising sight that should translate well to opportunities with the main team.
DALTON KNECHT JUST BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN IN THE SEMIFINALS! 🤯✈️ @southbaylakers | @PrimeVideo pic.twitter.com/DPN1DpW8D7
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) April 4, 2026
Luke Kennard has already revived the Lakers’ perimeter shooting, but Knecht could add even more firepower with his newfound confidence in tow. Throw in some promising improvement on defense, and he could be another 3-and-D option in LA’s final games.
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
