Luka Doncic-Less Lakers Look to Continue Momentum in Matchup vs. Wizards
The Los Angeles Lakers (48-26) are going for a third straight win – and 15 of 17 – as they take on a struggling Washington Wizards (17-57) team on Monday.
Los Angeles is a heavy favorite in this one, although they will be without NBA MVP candidate Luka Doncic after officials assessed him his 16th technical foul of the season, resulting in a one-game suspension.
Lakers Look to Rely on LeBron James and Austin Reaves
With Luka Doncic sitting this one out, Los Angeles will rely on LeBron James and Austin Reaves more heavily.
It will be interesting to see Los Angeles spread the ball around without Luka Doncic, who’s averaging 37.2 points in March. James and Reaves have plenty of experience leading the pack for the Lakers from before Doncic became a Laker in February of 2025.
More Opportunity for Role Players
Along with Doncic, Marcus Smart and Adou Thiero are also out in this one. With this being said, there will be more chances for the Lakers’ role players to get involved tonight.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick mentioned ahead of Monday’s game that it will take a group of players to fill in Doncic’s role.
“We’re going to need everybody,” Redick said to the California Post.
The Lakers may give extended minutes to Bronny James, Kobe Bufkin, and Luke Kennard.
Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes’ Shared Minutes
JJ Redick is starting to split minutes between both of the Lakers’ centers, Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes.
Ayton recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds in 27 minutes, while Hayes finished with 11 points, 3 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 2 steals in 21 minutes during the Lakers’ loss to the Detroit Pistons on March 23. This new play style also took place in the March 27 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Ayton would register 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 22 minutes, while Hayes added 10 points and 8 rebounds in 26 minutes.
Redick has discovered a new way to success in the front court. The Lakers could use this strategy against the Wizards as well.
Los Angeles has gained control of the three-seed in the West for quite some time now, but the Denver Nuggets are 1.0 game behind the Lakers in the playoff race entering Monday. With Denver having a few days off, the difference between the two teams can get extended if the Lakers can come up with wins over the Wizards on Monday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.
