Luka Doncic is slated to rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday, just a day before their first-round playoff series opener against the Houston Rockets. However, his availability for Game 1 on Saturday remains undetermined.
Coach JJ Redick confirmed that while Doncic is returning from Spain, where he underwent multiple injections for a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, there's no concrete update on when he might play. Redick indicated that both Doncic and Austin Reaves, who is nursing a Grade 2 oblique strain, are currently out "indefinitely." The team conducted its first playoff practice Tuesday, focusing on fundamentals like boxing out.
Sources had initially suggested a Tuesday re-evaluation for Doncic, but this has reportedly been pushed to Friday, coinciding with his return to L.A. This re-evaluation is intended to determine his official prognosis and updated status for the series against the Rockets.
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Doncic suffered the hamstring injury on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite the injury, he secured the NBA scoring title, averaging 33.5 points per game for the season. The Lakers secured home-court advantage as the No. 4 seed, facing the No. 5 seeded Rockets. In the regular season, the Lakers went 2-1 against Houston, with Doncic playing a significant role in their victories. The team is considered underdogs heading into the series, particularly without their top two scorers.
Reports indicate Doncic has been receiving treatment in Madrid, including stem cell therapy, in an effort to expedite his recovery. He also reportedly visited Slovenia to spend time with his daughters over the weekend. His absence, along with Reaves', presents a considerable challenge for the Lakers as they embark on their postseason journey.
