Lakers Notes: Luka Doncic Injury Update, Austin Reaves Predicted to Leave LA, Playoff Run Incoming?

Key Takeaways:

• Luka Doncic picked up a knee injury during Slovenian national-team play.
• Sports Illustrated predicts guard Austin Reaves may leave the Lakers.
• The report questions whether Los Angeles can mount a playoff run.
• The updates were compiled by SI writer Nelson Espinal.
• All developments were published on August 18, 2025.

Opening Notes
Three headlines, one franchise. Sports Illustrated’s latest “Lakers Notes” scans the horizon for Los Angeles and finds as many warning lights as bright spots: a knee flare-up for Luka Doncic overseas, fresh chatter that Austin Reaves could bolt the roster, and the perennial question—can this team still ride into the postseason?

Doncic’s Knee Adds a New Variable
“Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic picked up a knee injury while playing for the Slovenian National team,” Sports Illustrated reports. The update offers no timetable or medical specifics, but the very mention of a knee issue for a star guard is enough to make a front office wince. What remains unknown is whether the injury is a mere preseason scare or a setback that could linger into the NBA calendar.

Reaves on the Move?
In the same notebook, SI predicts that Austin Reaves may leave Los Angeles. The guard’s blend of shooting and poise made him a staple of last season’s rotation; losing him would reopen questions about depth, chemistry, and cap flexibility. As free-agency whispers grow louder, the Lakers are left to weigh retention costs against roster evolution.

Playoff Path: Narrow but Navigable
The third note inside the SI roundup asks bluntly: “Playoff Run Incoming?” It is a reminder that any lasting injury to Doncic—or the departure of Reaves—could tilt the balance of a Western Conference already short on forgiveness. Conversely, a clean bill of health and roster stability could allow the Lakers to convert potential into wins when the standings tighten.

Quick Glance at the Road Ahead

Problem | Potential Impact | Unknowns
Knee injury to Luka Doncic | Rotation disruption, minutes restrictions | Severity, recovery timeline
Austin Reaves predicted to leave | Loss of shooting, on-ball creation | Contract offers, Lakers’ response
Playoff ambitions questioned | Front-office pressure, fan expectations | Health, roster continuity

What Happens Next
For now, the Lakers’ fate rests on three unanswered questions: How serious is Doncic’s knee issue? Will Reaves still be wearing purple and gold come opening night? And, with or without them, can the Lakers string together the wins required for another run in May? Until those answers arrive, optimism in Los Angeles will be measured—one injury report, one contract rumor, and one standings update at a time.