Austin Reaves’ electric performance powered the Los Angeles Lakers to a gritty comeback win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. Still, the celebration came to an abrupt halt when Luka Doncic limped off the floor. The superstar guard exited in the second quarter with a hamstring issue and did not return, immediately casting a shadow over an otherwise uplifting victory.

With imaging and further tests still pending, Doncic’s status remains uncertain, leaving the Lakers and their championship hopes holding their breath. While the team waits for official results, an early medical perspective suggests the range of outcomes could be drastically different depending on one key detail.

Dr. Evan Jeffries, a physical therapy specialist, weighed in on the situation based on what was visible during the broadcast. Though he couldn’t conduct a direct examination, he outlined the likely next steps and what they might mean for Los Angeles. “He did not return in the second half and will likely have an MRI to determine the severity. If it’s just tightness, it’s day-to-day. If it’s a strain, it could be multiple weeks,” Jeffries revealed.

Luka Doncic’s reaction did raise some concerns. He was visibly frustrated with having to leave the game early. Another sign of worry is that Doncic has dealt with hamstring injuries in the past. But on a positive note, the Slovenian who earned his sixth All-Star nod walked off without any assistance. It’s not much, but it could be an indication that nothing major is going on.

Doncic didn’t have the best outing in his limited minutes. He scored 10 points while shooting 30% from the field and failed to register a single three-pointer. However, the Don is the Lakers’ motor, facilitating and leading the league in scoring. Losing him for multiple weeks could disrupt the Lakers’ system after adding a lethal shooter in Luke Kennard at the trade deadline.

A silver lining is Austin Reaves’ seamless return. Even on a minutes restriction, the 27-year-old scored 35 points in just 25 minutes to lift the Purple and Gold to their 31 win of the season. Reaves hopes Luka Doncic has dodged any major ailment. However, the Lakers need to approach the situation as if the worst were to happen. This could be the time for them to learn how to play without Doncic’s influence.

Marcus Smart calls for togetherness from the Lakers

It doesn’t need to be mentioned that the Lakers would suffer a massive blow if Luka Doncic is out for a few weeks. For everything good they have achieved this season, the juggernaut star has been at the end of it. But just relying on him will never shape the team’s will or resolve to achieve their championship aspirations this season.

This reality isn’t lost on the team’s veterans. Marcus Smart, a veteran, understands that his injury could actually be a blessing in disguise. The Lakers need to learn how to be successful without their stunning cornerstone.

“If he’s going to be out, obviously, it’s going to take everybody to tighten up a little more. It does help to have AR [Austin Reaves] back if that’s the case, but it’s definitely going to take a full team effort now, more than ever, if he is out for a long period of time,” the Lakers guard said after the game.

The numbers support Smart’s assessment. In 908 minutes without Luka Doncic, the Lakers have recorded 461 assists against 291 turnovers. The attention he attracts opens the floor for the Purple and Gold. Without his pull on defenses, playing with symphony will be key for the Lakers. LeBron James and Austin Reaves’ contributions towards stringing the offense will matter a lot if Doncic misses significant time.

The path forward won’t be easy. It’s something the Lakers will dread facing. At the same time, the team needs to learn to be uncomfortable and find ways to overcome adversity. If they can polish their system and camaraderie without Doncic, their confidence will grow. That being said, it will be the Purple and Gold’s toughest challenge the pillars to get through a stretch without Doncic. But the team will have to learn how to play as a unit to compensate for his absence.