Getty
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick chats with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic discussing on the court.
The Los Angeles Lakers will take the floor Monday night without Luka Dončić, and coach JJ Redick said the team will rely on a reshaped rotation led by Austin Reaves and contributions from younger players.
Dončić is serving a one-game suspension after reaching the NBA’s technical foul threshold, leaving the Lakers without their primary playmaker against the Washington Wizards.
“We’re going to need everybody,” Redick said, via California Post, following Sunday’s practice.
Austin Reaves Positioned for Expanded Role
GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves reacts after a basket.
With Dončić unavailable, Reaves is expected to take on a significantly larger role as the team’s primary ball handler and offensive initiator.
The fifth-year guard enters Monday’s game in strong form. Reaves scored 26 points (7-of-13 shooting, 4-of-7 from three, 8-of-11 from the free-throw line) to go along with eight rebounds, five assists and one steal in Friday’s 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets.
That performance marked his fourth straight game with at least 24 points and his eighth in the last 11 games. Over that stretch, Reaves is averaging 24.2 points, 6.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting efficiently from beyond the arc.
“With the way we’ve leaned on Luka, the game plan has to look different,” Redick said.
Reaves’ ability to control tempo and create offense will be central to that adjustment.
Opportunity Opens for Bronny James, Lakers Reserves
Beyond Reaves, Redick pointed to several players who could see expanded roles.
Among them is Bronny James, who was recalled from the G League’s South Bay Lakers on Saturday after logging extended minutes in the affiliate’s regular-season finale. The second-year guard finished with 26 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including 6-of-8 from three-point range, along with seven rebounds, five assists and one steal in 37 minutes. The six made 3-pointers marked a G League career high.
At the NBA level, James has begun to see more opportunities. Over his last two appearances with the Lakers, he has averaged 3.5 points and 1.0 steals in 8.9 minutes while shooting 50% from the field and from three-point range.
He was also part of a historic moment on Friday against Brooklyn when LeBron James assisted him on a 3-pointer, marking the NBA’s first recorded father-son assist.
James has largely played limited minutes this season, splitting time between the Lakers and their G League affiliate, but his recent production — combined with Dončić’s absence and uncertainty surrounding Marcus Smart — could position him for a larger role Monday.
“Bronny’s had some good moments,” Redick said.
Redick also highlighted contributions from Jarred Vanderbilt and Maxi Kleber, both of whom could see increased roles as the Lakers adjust their rotation.
Injuries Add to Rotation Uncertainty
The Lakers’ rotation could be further impacted by injuries.
Guard Marcus Smart remains day-to-day with a right ankle contusion after missing the last three games, while Adou Thiero has been sidelined with left knee soreness.
Those factors, combined with Dončić’s suspension, leave Redick with multiple lineup combinations to consider.
Favorable Matchup, Different Approach
The Lakers enter the matchup against Washington with a favorable opponent on paper, but the absence of Dončić changes the dynamic.
Los Angeles has gone 14–2 since late February, with Dončić driving much of that success through his scoring and playmaking.
Without him, the Lakers will need a more balanced offensive approach built on ball movement and shared responsibility.
One Game, Broader Implications
Dončić is expected to return following the one-game suspension, but Monday’s contest provides insight into how the Lakers might function without him in high-stakes situations.
For one night, the responsibility shifts to Reaves and a supporting cast tasked with filling a significant void.
How effectively they respond could offer a glimpse into the Lakers’ flexibility as the postseason approaches.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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