The Los Angeles Lakers‘ downward spiral just got steeper, and the warning shot didn’t come from a rival coach, but from one of the league’s biggest stars.

Luka Doncic doesn’t want to see that happen again with Reaves. The Slovenian, reacting to his close friend’s injury, asked for patience from the Lakers as calf injuries can be extremely volatile.

“I talked to him. He just said he didn’t know,” Doncic told reporters after the loss to the Rockets. “I just said, ‘If you need something to help, I know what it is to go through a calf injury.’ It’s not fun at all. Just be there to support him. Calf (injuries) are dangerous, so just take your time.”

Luka Doncic speaks from experience. Over his storied career, the five-time All-NBA selection has suffered a variety of calf injuries. The Dallas Mavericks decided to trade him while he was rehabbing from a similar injury. Doncic missed over 20 games with his calf strain, understanding how delicate the muscle is when not allowed to fully heal.

Doncic’s advice on patience comes at a time when the Lakers can least afford it, as the team is already grappling with fundamental issues on the court, especially with stars like Austin Reaves. Having aggravated his previous ailment, it’s necessary to give Reaves the required time to recover from his calf strain.

It’s what is needed to ensure a safe future for the Lakers’ promising backcourt. However, it comes at the worst possible time.

A big mess awaits if the Lakers don’t adapt

Once Austin Reaves exited the game against the Rockets, things went from bad to worse. It was an infuriating watch for Redick in particular. He said the players don’t care enough while also hinting at an “uncomfortable” practice on Saturday. That better pay off for the Purple and Gold, because they desperately need to get back to playing the right way.

Their three losses have come on the back of the team making the same mistakes. Their synergy is completely off, averaging only 19 assists per game during this losing streak. Furthermore, because they lack size, rebounding has been a persistent struggle. But the Lakers, despite their structural defects, did play good basketball to start the season.

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They have to get back to those habits. Some of them relate solely to effort. Defensively, the Lakers need to get the basic stuff right. They average a mere 3.3 defensive boxouts over their last three games. Subsequently, they are struggling to contain second-chance points and points in the paint, ranking in the top half for points allowed.

Without Austin Reaves, their offence can’t bail them out as it has during the season so far. The Lakers need to start competing and taking accountability for failing to do the dirty work. JJ Redick, as furious as he was, seems to be a coach who will ensure the team checks all those boxes. However, the players’ response will dictate whether the Lakers can get out of their slump.