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Thunder at Lakers: Money on the Floor, April 7, 2026
Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.Who's playing tonight? See the real matchup.
James' absence Tuesday now leaves the Lakers without Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique). Plenty of playing time and usage is now open to the rest of the team, opening the door for Jarred Vanderbilt and perhaps even Bronny James to play meaningful minutes Wednesday.
This is an effort to expedite his return to play. Doncic has already been ruled out for the rest of the regular season, to be clear, but it's no surprise that he will do everything in his power to make a return as quick as he can in the playoffs.
Reaves not only will miss the rest of the regular season, but the injury will sidelined for around four to six weeks, meaning he's also expected to miss the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. This is a huge loss for the Lakers, as they also lost Luka Doncic (hamstring), meaning the burden on offense will go through Le Bron James. Reaves averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game in 51 regular-season contests, and his ability to return before the start of the playoffs will be key for the Lakers' chances to make a deep playoff run.
Smart will miss his eighth straight game Tuesday, but it sounds like he's hopeful to get back to the floor before the regular season ends Sunday. Thursday's game against the Warriors will be the first of a back-to-back set, so that one seems unlikely, but perhaps he'll be able to get back out there for Friday's match with the Suns.
Maxi Kleber will have the chance for some extended minutes with Hayes out, and Drew Timme might be able to get into the rotation. For now, Hayes should be considered questionable for Thursday's game against the Warriors.
