The Lakers are heading into the NBA playoffs with some challenges, yet they are hoping to catch the Rockets off guard in the first round, especially since they’ll be without both Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves for an undefined period. Here are five key questions regarding the Lakers’ postseason prospects, as discussed by the California Post sports team members Hobi Price, Melissa Rollin, and Michael Duarte.
1. What is the biggest question facing the Lakers in this series?
Price: Can they effectively score against the tightly-knit Rockets defense without Doncic and Reeves? The Lakers’ offense performed decently in the last five regular season games, but those matches were against weaker teams. The Rockets, with their solid half-court defense, will be a different ball game entirely.
Rollin: Will LeBron James, at 41, be able to guide the Lakers past a team led by Kevin Durant? Durant may not have enough support. If neither Doncic nor Reeves can make a return, it will rest heavily on James. If he leads this team to victory, it would surely be a monumental feat in his lengthy career—no small statement considering his status as one of the all-time greats.
Duarte: If you’ve been paying attention, the major concern is whether the Lakers can hold out until Doncic and Reeves are back. Health is crucial. The absence of these two key players has left the team feeling like it’s missing its backbone.
2. Who emerges as the Lakers’ No. 2 option on offense?
Price: Luke Kennard. We’ve seen a glimpse of what it might be like with his elevated responsibilities. He may not officially be the second-leading scorer, but with his new duties that involve ball handling and playmaking, he will definitely be a key player alongside James.
Rollin: Perhaps Kennard? It’s not ideal that there’s no clear frontrunner here. Transitioning from a 3-point specialist to a playmaker, Kennard has been handling the adjustment pretty well. In the four games since losing Doncic and Reeves, he averaged 14.5 points, 7.7 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. For the Lakers to succeed, he’ll really need to be impactful on offense—right now, he’s crucial.
Duarte: Initially, I would have said Kennard too, but for variety, I’ll go with Rui Hachimura. During the last stretch without Doncic and Reeves, he picked up his scoring and averaged 14.6 points, which is above his season average. If LeBron gets doubled, Hachimura could be the one to capitalize, whether it’s hitting corner threes or gathering second-chance points.
3. Which role player should step up and become a key player for the Lakers?
Price: Hachimura has a track record of stepping up in playoffs and has built quite a postseason reputation. Remember his consistent 3-point shooting back when the Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals last year? His scoring upticks often seem to happen in the playoffs, which the Lakers will need this time around, too.
Rollin: Deandre Ayton, it’s a pivotal moment for you. As a former top pick from 2018, his performance has been hit-or-miss this season. At his best, he can grab a double-double, but at times, he’s been almost an afterthought. Facing off against Clint Capela will be telling for him—does he rise to the challenge or miss the mark?
Duarte: The focus here is on “role player.” Kennard’s role shifts from just a shooter to becoming a primary ball handler without Doncic. He needs to stabilize the offense and find his rhythm; that could really influence how competitive the Lakers can be.
4. Which Laker is under the most pressure?
Price: Ayton. When he plays well, the Lakers can be a formidable team. He needs to demonstrate the kind of reliability that has eluded him this season. Despite his talent, he’s faced losses—two teams moved on from him already. This playoffs is crucial for how fans perceive him going forward.
Rollin: J. J. Reddick. With the injuries to Doncic and Reeves, he had to completely reassess his game plan. The Lakers were soaring before the injuries and fell apart against the Thunder in early April. Now it’s his job to figure out a solid rotation and restore belief in the team’s potential.
Duarte: I agree with Price; it’s Ayton. He needs to step out from behind potential and prove himself. He’s going up against Sengun and Capela, having previously stated he doesn’t want to be compared to Capela. His performance—scoring, rebounding, defense—must be evident throughout the game. Houston will certainly put his efforts to the test.
5. What will everyone talk about when this series ends?
Price: James, as usual. Regardless of the series outcome, will he lead this Lakers team in a surprising playoff run? Is retirement in his near future or is he gearing up for another season? Though Doncic is a focal point, James will still dominate discussions in the league.
Rollin: James may view this as a lost cause. He’s on everyone’s mind—will he retire or stick around for another season? While the Lakers might center around Doncic, the basketball community’s eyes will be fixated on James, especially with his free agency coming up. What decisions he makes could shake up the entire offseason.
Duarte: It’s unanimously LeBron’s future that will capture the spotlight. His contract is up, and what he opts to do will be monumental—whether he continues for more seasons or chooses to retire. Once the season is wrapped, all eyes will be on King James.
Bonus: Who won and why?
Price: Rockets. The main question is how many games they’ll take. I’d say 6. James will likely give a vintage performance that might secure one win for the Lakers—possibly even a second one if the Rockets falter in crucial moments.
Rollin: Rockets in 5. James will show glimpses of the star he’s always been, but he won’t have enough support to outmatch a deep Rockets lineup. Without Doncic or Reeves, this series could be brief.
Duarte: The Rockets are healthier and boast more depth. They’ve developed a clear identity, something the Lakers lost when injuries hit. Houston will methodically dismantle the offense and defend aggressively without needing to lean on others for help—the Lakers are simply not equipped to fight back with their current roster.
