Last game, Rui Hachimura got hit with the injury bug. LeBron James and Luka Doncic also seemed to have some uncomfortable moments. But when Laker Nation saw them suit up, surely their spirits were uplifted. Who knew something colossal would happen tonight? When facing the Clippers, fan favorite Austin Reaves felt some discomfort and exited the game early. That would also be his last action.

According to Dave McMenamin, the Lakers guard will not return during the Lakers’ games against their city rivals. After playing nine minutes in the first quarter, the 26-year-old headed down to the locker room after feeling something. It turns out Reaves is experiencing right calf soreness.

Having won four straight games, JJ Redick doesn’t want to see one of his favorite players walk on a sketchy line. Furthermore, a draining schedule awaits the Lakers. Hence, it’s probably best to have Austin Reaves take an early night off rather than risk aggravating what might just be a minor injury.

The savvy guard did leave his imprint on the game, though. Reaves hit two three-pointers during the first-quarter action.

This could potentially spell trouble for the Lakers. Although they still have Doncic and LeBron James, two behemoths, Reaves was playing to a different tune. When you speak of consistency, he had drastically improved his game. Over a five-game stretch, Austin Reaves was putting up 21.2 points and shooting 37% from three. However, the biggest loss is his 7.8 free-throw attempts per game.

As a mindful player, Reaves knows how to force defenders into making mistakes. Now, with his exclusion for the rest of the night, the job gets harder. It also presents an opportunity.

A calling for Luka Doncic

Luka Doncic has already given the Lakers a preview of the things he can do. The Denver Nuggets stood like a wall in front of the Purple and Gold for years. Against them, he dropped 32 points and blew the game wide open. But aside from that, it’s been a shooting struggle for the masterful scorer. His arsenal and technique are far superior to his current time with the Lakers.

Doncic needs to blow off some of that steam. What better team to do it against than the ones he always holds a grudge against?

The Los Angeles Clippers and ‘Luka Magic’ have a long history. From the agony of playoff defeat to his first career postseason buzzer-beater, a range of Doncic’s highlights have their roots in LA. Tonight, with a shorthanded roster and Reaves’ exit, the Lakers need him to take control of the offense.

He has faced them 18 times in his career. Luka Doncic is averaging 32.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 7.4 assists against them. If you want proof that some animosity does exist, Doncic doesn’t average more points against any NBA team not named the Clippers. And tonight, that’s exactly what the Lakers are in need of.

It’s not just Luka Doncic that needs to be exceptional, though. The load also falls on LeBron James. ‘The King’ has been delivering vintage performances time and again. Likewise, he needs to flip the switch against the city rivals who have historically got the better of them in recent history.

With some size disadvantage and an offensive outlet missing, the Lakers need to be cohesive. Not only that, their energy levels and determination need to be dialed up tenfold. The Lakers did demolish the Clippers the last time they met. But that time, Reaves and Hachimura both combined for 40 points.

With this being their first meeting at home, it’s time for Luka Doncic and James to show just how lethal a pair they are.