Lakers star Luka Doncic is set to return to Los Angeles on Friday after undergoing specialized treatment in Europe for a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, according to ESPN. While his return to the court remains uncertain, the team hopes the trip will aid his recovery as the playoffs begin.
What happened to Luka Doncic?
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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The 27-year-old sustained the injury during a 139-96 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. An MRI the following day confirmed the Grade 2 strain, prompting the Lakers to rule him out for the remainder of the regular season. He has not traveled with the team since and spent the past week in Spain receiving multiple injections and targeted rehabilitation.
A typical Grade 2 hamstring strain requires approximately four weeks of recovery. That timeline would sideline the league’s leading scorer (33.5 points per game) for potentially the entire first round of the playoffs. Doncic also led the Lakers in assists (8.3 per game) and steals (1.6 per game) this season, making his absence a significant blow to Los Angeles’ offense and playmaking.
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The No. 4 seed Lakers are scheduled to open their first-round series against the No. 5 seed Houston Rockets on Saturday. Without their superstar, the team will rely heavily on supporting cast members to compete in what is expected to be a highly competitive series.
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The No. 4 seed Lakers are scheduled to open their first-round series against the No. 5 seed Houston Rockets on Saturday. Without their superstar, the team will rely heavily on supporting cast members to compete in what is expected to be a highly competitive series.
The Lakers have provided no official update on Doncic’s exact return timeline since the initial announcement. His return to Los Angeles on Friday marks an important step, but the organization remains cautious about rushing him back. Any playoff appearance would likely depend on how his body responds to the European treatment and subsequent rehab in LA.
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Home/Sports/Us Sports/Luka Doncic Injury Update: Lakers star expected back in Los Angeles this week
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