When Will Luka Doncic Return? Latest on Injury and Recovery Timeline
Doncic returns to Los Angeles after treatment in Spain for his hamstring injury: timeline remains uncertain, and the Lakers star is at risk of missing the start of the playoffs
The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the NBA Playoffs with more than one question mark. The biggest concerns their star player: the Slovenian is set to return to Los Angeles on Friday after spending a week in Spain receiving treatment for his left hamstring injury, but his availability for Game 1 remains far from certain.
Doncic Injury Update: Treatment in Spain and Unclear Recovery Timeline
According to reports, Doncic underwent multiple injections to speed up recovery from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The decision underscores how delicate the situation is: this type of injury typically requires around one month of recovery.
The franchise has not yet provided an official return date. The only certainty is that No. 77 will be reevaluated Tuesday, a key step in determining whether he can return during the series against the Houston Rockets.
The expectation is that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will both be out to start the first round
Shams Charania
That is far from encouraging news for Lakers fans, who may begin the postseason without two of their most important pieces.
Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, with the No. 4-seeded Lakers set to face the No. 5-seeded Rockets. Doncic’s absence would come in addition to that of Austin Reaves, who is also sidelined with a Grade 2 left oblique strain.
Between Caution and Urgency: The Lakers’ Dilemma
The real dilemma for the Lakers is obvious: rush Doncic back or preserve him for a potentially long playoff run.
On one hand, there is urgency to start strong against Houston. On the other, there is the very real risk of worsening an already delicate muscle injury.
Tuesday’s reevaluation will be decisive, but one thing is already clear: the series could begin without its biggest star.