LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique muscle strain, sidelining the 27-year-old for the remainder of the 2025-26 regular season and casting serious doubt on his availability for the start of the NBA playoffs, dealing a major blow to a team already missing co-star Luka Dončić.

Reaves is expected to miss four to six weeks, according to multiple reports citing league sources. That timeline would keep the versatile scorer out through at least the early portion of the postseason, with the first round scheduled to begin April 18. Some medical experts suggest the recovery could stretch longer if rib cartilage is involved, while the minimum for a Grade 2 oblique strain is typically around three weeks.

The injury occurred during the Lakers’ lopsided 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. Reaves appeared to tweak his left side while reaching for a rebound in the first half but returned to finish the game, logging 27 minutes and scoring 15 points. He and Dončić, who suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in the same contest, both played through visible discomfort in what became a blowout defeat.

Lakers coach J.J. Redick later defended the decision to keep both players in the game, but faced criticism for potentially exacerbating the injuries in a non-competitive matchup. Reaves underwent an initial MRI in Dallas that reportedly scanned the wrong area, prompting a second imaging session on April 4 that confirmed the oblique strain. Redick expressed frustration with the diagnostic process, noting the Lakers had clearly specified the target area.

Reaves, often called “AR-15” by fans, has enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 season as one of the Lakers’ most reliable performers. Through 51 games, he averaged 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and shot 49% from the field while playing 34.5 minutes per night. His scoring, playmaking and clutch shooting made him a vital complement to LeBron James and the newly acquired Dončić in Los Angeles’ revamped lineup.

The double blow of losing both Reaves and Dončić for the final stretch of the regular season has left the Lakers scrambling. The team announced Reaves would miss the remaining five regular-season games, with the finale set for April 12 against Utah. Los Angeles has already made roster adjustments, including a reported $18 million move to bolster depth amid the injury crisis.

Medical Outlook and Recovery Timeline

Sports medicine specialists describe oblique strains as particularly painful due to the muscle’s proximity to nerves and rib attachments. A Grade 2 strain involves a partial tear, with recovery complicated by the constant torso rotation required in basketball. NBA data shows less severe oblique injuries average about 17 days missed, while higher-grade cases can sideline players for up to nine weeks. For Reaves, the consensus projection of four to six weeks places his potential return somewhere in the first or second round of the playoffs — assuming the Lakers advance.

Dr. Evan Jeffries and other injury analysts have noted that rushing back too soon risks reinjury, drawing comparisons to similar cases like Luka Dončić’s current hamstring issue. Conservative management is expected, with Reaves focusing on rest, targeted rehabilitation and gradual return-to-play protocols under the Lakers’ medical staff.

Reaves has a history of playing through minor ailments, but this marks one of the more significant setbacks in his young career. The undrafted guard out of Oklahoma has steadily evolved into a cornerstone for the Lakers since joining the league in 2021, earning praise for his toughness, basketball IQ and improved three-point shooting.

Impact on Lakers’ Playoff Hopes

The injuries come at a precarious time for Los Angeles. With Dončić already ruled out for the rest of the regular season and Reaves now joining him on the sideline, the Lakers must lean heavily on veterans like LeBron James and a supporting cast that includes role players stepping into larger minutes. Questions swirl about seeding, matchup advantages and whether the team can build enough chemistry without its two leading scorers.

Analysts describe the situation as “devastating” for playoff aspirations. Even if Reaves returns in late April or early May, he may require ramp-up time to regain full explosiveness and conditioning. The Lakers’ depth will be tested in what could be a grueling first-round series.

Reaves’ absence also complicates long-term roster planning. He is eligible for a significant contract extension or new deal in the coming offseason, with some projections linking him to a $241 million maximum-level agreement. His injury performance this season has only heightened his value, but any prolonged recovery could factor into negotiations.

LeBron James publicly expressed disappointment over the injuries to both Reaves and Dončić, highlighting the emotional toll on the locker room after what had been a promising stretch.

Broader Context and Lakers’ Response

The Lakers have faced a season of highs and lows, including the high-profile acquisition of Dončić that reshaped expectations. Now, with key pieces sidelined, the focus shifts to resilience and opportunistic play from the supporting cast. Coach Redick has emphasized staying connected and preparing for every scenario as the team eyes a playoff berth.

Reaves has remained positive in public comments, expressing confidence in his teammates and a commitment to returning as strong as possible. He is expected to travel with the team and stay engaged in meetings and film study during rehabilitation.

NBA observers note that oblique injuries can be unpredictable, but modern sports science — including advanced imaging, regenerative therapies and individualized rehab programs — often helps players return closer to the optimistic end of timelines.

For now, the Lakers must navigate the final regular-season games and prepare for the postseason without two of their top offensive weapons. Whether Reaves can suit up for a deep playoff run remains uncertain, but his track record of toughness suggests he will push to rejoin the lineup at the earliest safe opportunity.

The injury has sparked widespread discussion across NBA circles, with fans and analysts debating the decision to play both stars in a blowout and the broader implications for Los Angeles’ championship window. As the calendar turns toward the playoffs, all eyes will be on Reaves’ recovery progress and the Lakers’ ability to adapt.

Austin Reaves, a fan favorite known for his underdog story and clutch performances, faces his toughest test yet. Lakers supporters hope the “Hillbilly Kobe” can once again defy the odds when he returns to the court.

Ford is recalling more than 422,000 vehicles in the U.S. over a windshield wiper failure, federal regulators said on Tuesday.

The recall includes Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition SUVs, as well as some F-series trucks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said. Specific vehicles that may be involved include the model year 2021-2023 Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 Ford Expedition, and the 2022-2023 Ford Super Duty.

A total of 422,613 vehicles are subject to the recall, while the share of vehicles with the defect is estimated to be 3% of the recalled vehicles.

Windshield wiper arms may operate erratically or may break, causing the wipers to fail, according to NHTSA.

FORD RECALLS MORE THAN 83,000 VEHICLES OVER HEADLIGHT, ENGINE VALVE ISSUES

The safety agency noted that there may be a warning for drivers that the windshield wiper may fail, as drivers “may experience erratic wipe speed of the driver or passenger wiper arm.”

“An improperly functioning or detached wiper arm may impair driver vision, increasing the risk of a crash,” NHTSA’s description of the defect said.

“The windshield wiper arm’s latch retention plate may have been incorrectly staked at the supplier. The latch retention plate keeps the arm head properly seated to the wiper arm. Additionally, the engagement between the knurl and wiper arm may be reduced due to dimensional variability. Proper knurl-to-arm head teeth engagement ensures robust wiper arm operation,” the agency said.

FORD RECALLS 1.74 MILLION VEHICLES DUE TO REARVIEW CAMERA BLACKOUTS, ISSUES

Production improvements at the supplier in December 2022 addressed issues that led to the defective wiper arms, which is why the recall is limited to vehicles made in a specific timeframe.

NHTSA’s recall report said that Ford isn’t aware of any accidents or injuries related to the wiper issue.

NHTSA said that the notification to dealers was expected to occur on April 1, with the mailing of notices to interim owners expected to begin on April 13 and be completed by April 17.

FORD RECALLS MORE THAN 615,000 VEHICLES OVER WIPER, DRIVESHAFT DEFECTS

Owners of potentially affected vehicles were expected to be able to search VINs as of April 1.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
F	FORD MOTOR CO.	11.54	-0.07	-0.56%

The remedy for the issue is expected to include an inspection of windshield wipers and their potential replacement.

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Wiper arms that don’t pass the inspection will be replaced. The replacement wiper arms that are used in this process will be made with correct staking of the latch retention plate, and wiper arm splines within specifications, according to NHTSA.

Reuters contributed to this report.

As a strong supporter of our great military’s Operation Epic Fury, and someone who has great faith in President Trump and his judgement, I do feel obliged to weigh in on the fact that any deal cobbled together too quickly runs the risk of making the next Iranian conflict more likely, not less. I’m worried that a poor deal today could mean a bigger war tomorrow. When I sat down with Mr. Trump for our interview eight weeks ago, I raised the concern that no one can ever believe anything Iran says.

As a former Reagan guy, I am always acutely sensitive to the Gipper’s phrase “trust but verify.” Over the past five decades, numerous American presidents have made deals with Iran that were never verified. International nuclear authorities have never been able to verify Iranian promises or activities. And, as Mr. Trump has said, the whole issue was boiled over with Iran’s shocking imminent nuclear threat with enriched uranium that is greater than anyone thought. And with intercontinental ballistic missile capability with a range that is longer than anyone thought. And once again, Iran is bottling up the Strait of Hormuz in an attempt for worldwide economic blackmail.

There’s so much that we don’t know yet regarding discussions that are mostly indirect. And even now it seems that Iran has cut off any communications with America. Yet just looking at the positions of the two sides, Iran wants an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Hormuz Strait, reparations and reconstruction, and lifting sanctions. That’s their position.

Mr. Trump’s key points have been a complete end to all nuclear capabilities and facilities. No uranium enrichment on Iranian soil. Handing over Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium to the international atomic energy agency, completely decommissioning and dismantling of their nuclear sites at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz sites. Plus a complete end to their state sponsorship of terrorism. And an end to supporting proxy terrorist groups. A dismantling of their ballistic missile programs. And reopening the Strait of Hormuz. In other words, the two sides remain monumentally far apart, as far as we know.

So, a deal looks to be impossible. A few quotes from Mr. Trump suggest that there is no deal. When reporter asked “if Iran does not meet your demands, Mr. President, are you willing to continue the war?” Mr. Trump replied: “We’ll you’ll have to watch.” The reporter followed up: “Are you committing …” Mr. Trump then responded: “The answer is yes, but you have to watch.” He added that “the entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.” He said “we have, we have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12:00 tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business, burning, exploding, and never to be used again. I mean, complete demolition by 12:00.”

Meanwhile, any talk of ceasefires or deal extensions should be rejected. This is Iran’s game. They have been playing it for decades. They love to string things along. They are experts at playing their adversaries. They love to stall. To postpone. To argue over location. Or who is invited to the high table. They’ve been doing this for so long, and I hope that Mr. Trump doesn’t let them get away with it. I doubt that he will, because he’s a man of action and instinct. He knows that letting Iran play these games with him, he will lose international respect. He knows that if he ever walked away without reopening Hormuz, it would make him look weak. And he is never weak. Ever. He is transparently a man of his word.

In all likelihood, a few ticks of the clock after 8 P.M. Eastern time will be met by the final war push by America and presumably Israel. Mr. Trump knows that at this moment, he can change history. He can end all of Iran’s capabilities: nuclear, terrorist, missiles, Hormuz, all of it. He can bring freedom and prosperity to the Middle East and the rest of the world. He can end a scourge of civilization. He can also become one of the greatest presidents in American history.

European and Asian refiners are paying record high prices of near $150 a barrel for some crude oil grades, far exceeding prices for paper futures, highlighting the worsening supply crisis from the U.S.-Israel ‌war with Iran.

The ⁠Iran ⁠war has forced the shutdown of at least 12 million barrels per day – about 12% of world supply – ​from the Middle East due to Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, ​Brent oil futures reached $119.50 a barrel last month, the highest since 2022 although still short of the 2008 record high of $147.50. The nearby Brent contract is for June delivery.

Competition for supply ​from Asian and European refiners to replace disrupted Middle Eastern ⁠oil flows ‌has helped to drive up the prices of replacement crudes for ​more immediate delivery, such ​as those in Europe and Africa.

As a result, some crudes ⁠are hitting records already. The outright price of North Sea Forties ​crude reached $146.09 a barrel on Tuesday, according to LSEG data, ​above the 2008 level and an all time high.

The main driver of prices such as that of Forties is “panic” over supplies, said Adi Imsirovic, a veteran oil trader. “When there is a real, physical shortage, people are not thinking about July delivery – June loading and hence June futures prices – but oil NOW.”

The price of Forties and many other cargoes around the ‌world is linked to the physical crude benchmark called dated Brent which is trading almost $20 higher than the price of Brent futures for June ​delivery according to ​LSEG data because it ⁠reflects the price of cargoes for immediate delivery.
“At the moment, the market is scrambling for prompt, refinery-usable barrels, and stress is appearing first in the part of the benchmark that is closest to the immediate physical problem,” Morgan Stanley analysts said in a report.Prices of refined products in Europe were close to record highs on Tuesday.

Jet fuel prices in Europe hovered at $226.40 a barrel, close to a record high hit in mid-March. Diesel prices were still shy of their record highs hit in 2022, standing at $203.59 a barrel on Tuesday.