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The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing to play in the Western Conference semifinals without superstar Luka Doncic. The Lakers managed to get past the Houston Rockets in the first round with Doncic but taking down defending NBA champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, will be a big test for the Lakers.

Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters on Monday he had no update on Doncic’s recovery progress.

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Apr 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and guard Austin Reaves (15) look on from the bench during the second half of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

With Doncic out indefinitely, Lakers center DeAndre Ayton is expected to have a large impact on the Lakers’ success against the Thunder. Redick credited Ayton for helping Los Angeles defeat Houston and said Ayton influences the game the most out of the team.

“DA’s had a great season. He was instrumental in us getting past Houston. I think his baseline of who he is everyday for last two-and-half months has been awesome,” Redick said, per Ava Brand of Los Angeles Sports Report. “… He’s the person that changes our ceiling the most.”

Ayton, who signed a two-year, $16.6 million deal with the Lakers in free agency last summer, averaged 11.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, one assist and one block while shooting 60.4% from the field across 31 minutes in the first six games of the playoffs.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) shoots against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

In addition to Ayton, multiple other players like Luke Kennard and Rui Hachimura have stepped up for the Lakers in the playoffs. Veteran guard Marcus Smart told reporters that Doncic’s absence has forced other players to elevate all aspects of their game.

The Lakers will begin the second-round series against the Thunder on Tuesday at the Paycom Center.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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