{"id":186607,"date":"2026-04-04T21:28:02","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T01:28:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=186607"},"modified":"2026-04-04T21:28:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T01:28:02","slug":"luka-doncic-austin-reaves-down-lakers-sophomores-step-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/04\/04\/luka-doncic-austin-reaves-down-lakers-sophomores-step-up\/","title":{"rendered":"With Doncic and Reaves Down, Could Lakers Sophomores Step Up?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In an area known for occasional earthquakes, two updates from the Lakers have shaken their fans to the core.<\/span><\/p>\n

First, the team announced <\/span>Luka Doncic<\/span><\/a> will miss the rest of the regular season with a <\/span>Grade 2 hamstring strain<\/span><\/a> he suffered against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then, reports confirmed Austin Reaves<\/a> will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks with a <\/span>Grade 2 oblique strain<\/span><\/a>. Losing their top two players has forced the Lakers to endure their biggest \u201cnext man up\u201d test yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though several key contributors could take up the mantle with <\/span>LeBron James<\/span><\/a>, could the teams\u2019 2024 draft picks get meaningful minutes as well?<\/span><\/p>\n

With Doncic and Reaves Down, Could Lakers Sophomores Step Up?<\/h2>\n

Bronny James<\/h3>\n

Among the most scrutinized players outside of the big three, <\/span>Bronny James<\/span><\/a> has <\/span>earned the trust of the Lakers\u2019 coaching staff<\/span><\/a>\u2014whether fans like it or not. The team\u2019s recent stretch without <\/span>Marcus Smart<\/span><\/a> (ankle) has forced James Jr. to enter the rotation. And while the numbers don\u2019t always show it (2.4 points, 1.1 assists in 37 games), he has developed well in year two.<\/span><\/p>\n

James has made a <\/span>tangible impact with LA\u2019s G League affiliate<\/span><\/a>, the South Bay Lakers, and he is bringing the same two-way mentality to his time in the NBA. Thursday\u2019s game against OKC was his best scoring performance <\/span>in Smart\u2019s absence<\/span><\/a>; 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\u2019 offense against subpar opponents and given the backcourt some life amid another injury-riddled period.<\/span><\/p>\n

The absences of Doncic, Reaves and Smart could be a blessing in disguise for Bronny, who\u2019s <\/span>continuing to live out his dream<\/span><\/a> after various setbacks along the way. He adds solid athleticism, shot creation and defense to the Lakers\u2019 guard rotation and could showcase those skills with extended minutes going forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dalton Knecht<\/h3>\n

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It\u2019s been an otherwise forgetful season for sharpshooting wing <\/span>Dalton Knecht<\/span><\/a>, who also found himself <\/span>shuttling between the NBA and the G League<\/span><\/a> and part of <\/span>trade rumors<\/span><\/a> that ultimately bore no fruit. He has averaged 4.0 points across 50 games on .446\/.304\/.700 splits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Like James Jr., however, Knecht\u2019s time on assignment has been a completely different story. He recently dropped <\/span>24 points<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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DALTON KNECHT JUST BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN IN THE SEMIFINALS! \ud83e\udd2f\u2708\ufe0f @southbaylakers<\/a> | @PrimeVideo<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/DPN1DpW8D7<\/a><\/p>\n

— NBA G League (@nbagleague) April 4, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n