Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after being fouled during the second quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on April 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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Tyler Erzberger

By Tyler Erzberger

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It's not so sunny at the moment in Los Angeles.

The Lakers began the year on a hot streak, with the vibes high and the locker room gelling, as if this could be a season they could truly contend in. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James all seemed to be in high spirits, with JJ Redick at the helm, showing he's one of the best young coaches in basketball.

But as the season has gone along, injuries, a lack of depth throughout the roster, and porous team defense have left the team searching for answers following multiple blowout losses.

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And if the Lakers fans thought it couldn't get worse after LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets embarrassed them at home, news for Saturday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers might top it.

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

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Already missing Austin Reaves after a calf strain that was reaggravated following possibly too quick a return, Luka Doncic is now out for the weekend game with a groin injury.

It's another stomach punch for the Lakers, who are desperately trying to keep their record above water against alarming team statistics that show their positive standing might be a mirage. When they win, it's generally been close or down to the wire, with them prevailing in a clutch moment, but the losses, like the last one against the Hornets, have been deflating.

At the moment, they are a bottom-five defensive team in terms of net rating. They are closer to teams actively tanking and dreaming of drafting Cameron Boozer or AJ Dybantsa, more so than protecting the rim. The Lakers say they want to win a title, but their overall defense will get them nowhere near it at their current level.

The Lakers will hope to get Doncic back on Sunday at home against the Toronto Raptors before playing two days later against the Denver Nuggets. Austin Reaves might not be back until after the All-Star Game in February, as the team does not want to rush him back to the court following multiple calf strains.

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