Three Players Who Must Step Up for Lakers With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Injured

The Los Angeles Lakers earned their seventh consecutive victory Wednesday, but their backcourt’s health became the biggest concern following a 123-112 win over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Austin Reaves exited with a left heel injury, while Luka Doncic later tweaked his right ankle. The Lakers improved to 11-2, but their preparation for Sunday’s matchup against Phoenix now includes monitoring both players.

JJ Redick said Reaves’ X-rays were negative and that the Lakers were not concerned about an Achilles injury. No further update was expected until Reaves underwent additional medical imaging back in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Doncic said he was “good” after the game. When asked about Reaves, however, he acknowledged the responsibility that would fall on the rest of the roster if his teammate missed time.

“I think we just got to have next-man-up mentality,” Doncic said. “Obviously, we lose a very, very good player. Hopefully it’s not — it’s nothing. We got to have next-man-up mentality.”

Neither player had been confirmed out for the Phoenix game following Wednesday’s win. Still, the uncertainty puts added attention on three players who could help Los Angeles handle an increased workload.

Sexton would be a natural option to assume more ballhandling responsibility if Reaves misses time. His speed allows the Lakers to attack before defenses get set, creating opportunities that do not require a lengthy half-court possession.

His own availability also needs monitoring after he left Wednesday’s game following a collision with Ryan Rollins. If available, Sexton must balance his scoring instincts with the responsibility of getting teammates involved.

That means recognizing when to attack the rim and when a defender’s rotation creates an opening elsewhere. The Lakers would need him to generate quality possessions consistently, especially during stretches without Doncic directing the offense.

His defensive pressure could help, too. Forcing turnovers would give Los Angeles opportunities to score before opponents can crowd the paint.

Mamukelashvili has already supplied timely offense, scoring 23 points against Milwaukee after producing the same total in Atlanta. Those performances give the Lakers an encouraging option as they assess their injured guards.

He does not need to match that scoring output every night to remain valuable. Taking open shots confidently, cutting into available space and making quick passes can help keep the offense moving.

His shooting would be especially useful alongside Sexton. Drawing a frontcourt defender away from the basket creates more room for drives and makes it harder for opponents to load up on the ball.

The next step is sustaining his impact when shots stop falling. Rebounding and sound decisions would give the Lakers reasons to keep trusting him through those stretches.

Kessler’s importance grows if Los Angeles has less perimeter scoring available. Protecting the basket and securing defensive rebounds would help keep games manageable when the offense struggles.

His screens also can make life easier for whichever guards take on additional responsibility. Creating separation gives a ballhandler more time to read the defense and find an available teammate.

Offensively, Kessler must finish opportunities near the rim and pursue second chances. Those possessions could become particularly valuable if the Lakers lose some of the shot creation Reaves provides.

Los Angeles has earned room to navigate uncertainty with its strong start. Keeping that momentum will require dependable contributions across the rotation while the team awaits clarity on Reaves’ heel.