{"id":700443,"date":"2026-04-05T23:45:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T23:45:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/700443\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T23:45:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T23:45:17","slug":"lakers-brutal-injury-news-might-have-massive-impact-on-nuggets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/700443\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers’ Brutal Injury News Might Have Massive Impact on Nuggets"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Austin\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the best duos in the NBA today.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> are the only team standing in the way of the Denver Nuggets\u2019 highest possible seed in the Western Conference at this point.<\/p>\n

With the Oklahoma City Thunder holding an 11.5-game lead in first, and the San Antonio Spurs<\/a> having 9.0 games on the Nuggets, the third seed is the highest Denver could go. They are 0.5 games away from it.<\/p>\n

Just as the regular season approaches the final week mark, the Lakers suffered two brutal injuries, which could have a massive benefit for the Nuggets.<\/p>\n

Luka Doncic Goes Down
\n\"Luka<\/p>\n

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA \u2013 MARCH 14: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a foul during the second half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

In the Lakers\u2019 latest outing against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Doncic checked in for 25 minutes.<\/p>\n

There were two instances where he was clearly bothered by a hamstring setback. The second one forced him out of the game. Doncic was later diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. He won\u2019t play again until the playoffs, at the earliest.<\/p>\n

Doncic has been strong all year long, but has absolutely been surging as of late. In 64 games this season, Doncic posted averages of 33.5 points (NBA<\/a> leader), 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds. He shot 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from three.<\/p>\n

Austin Reaves Hit With A Blow
\n\"Austin<\/p>\n

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA \u2013 MARCH 14: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers calls a play during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Doncic setback wasn\u2019t enough to hurt the Lakers. On Saturday, Austin Reaves received a diagnosis for his setback, and he is officially dealing with an oblique strain.<\/p>\n

For Reaves, this marks his second notable setback this year. Similar to Doncic, Reaves\u2019 regular season has concluded.<\/p>\n

This year, Reaves has averaged 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. He knocked down 36.0% of his threes, taking 6.4 attempts per game.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next For The Nuggets And The Lakers?
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

GettySALT LAKE CITY, UT \u2013 APRIL 1: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets calls a play during the first half of a game against the Utah Jazz<\/a> at the Delta Center on April 1, 2026 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Gardner\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Lakers are paying a visit to the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> on Sunday, April 5.<\/p>\n

On paper, it\u2019s a favorable matchup for the Lakers, as the Mavs are 24-35 on the season, losing their last three games. However, they aren\u2019t in the business of tanking currently. So, the Lakers are getting a tough matchup as they lose multiple key players.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Nuggets are coming off a huge win. They now have eight victories in a row, after taking down the 59-19 Spurs on Saturday. Denver will return to the court on Monday, April 6 to take on the Portland Trail Blazers<\/a>. By Tuesday, the third seed could have a new team taking over.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Nuggets\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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