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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Set for larger role
Luka Doncic (hamstring) is positioned to take on an even larger offensive role after LeBron James' departure from Los Angeles, Dan Woike of The Athletic opines.The additions of Quentin Grimes, Walker Kessler and Sandro Mamukelashvili should give the Los Angeles Lakers more shooting, defense and frontcourt balance, but none of the newcomers will replace James' playmaking responsibilities. Doncic should remain the clear engine of the Lakers' offense entering 2026-27, with his usage and assist opportunities likely staying near elite levels.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Begins next phase of rehab
Luka Doncic (hamstring) said Wednesday that he has started running again, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.Doncic has been sidelined by a Grade 2 left hamstring strain since April 2. He said he was originally given an eight-week timetable, but he's been doing everything in his power to beat that. He's yet to be cleared for contact and remains week-to-week for the time being, but he's at least trending in the right direction.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Considered week-to-week
Luka Doncic (hamstring) won't be available for the start of the Western Conference Semifinals against Oklahoma City and is considered week-to-week, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.Doncic hasn't been doing "full-fledged running" or participating in full-contact sessions. While the Los Angeles Lakers haven't ruled him out for the series altogether, Charania added that it is still a "slow path" regarding his recovery efforts from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The six-time All-Star hasn't played in over a month after suffering the injury in the 139-96 loss to the Thunder on April 2. With Doncic on the shelf, Rui Hachimura is expected to remain in the starting lineup.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Remains without timetable
Luka Doncic (hamstring) would likely miss the beginning of the Western Conference Semifinals if the Los Angeles Lakers advance past the Rockets, ESPN's Shams Charania reports.After Houston's win on Sunday, the Lakers hold a 3-1 lead over the Rockets and would face the Thunder, who swept the Suns, in the next round if they can win one of the next three games, which appears likely, especially with Kevin Durant (ankle) not expected to suit up. Charania notes that Doncic remains on a slow path to a full recovery. The superstar point guard has ramped up his workload a bit in recent days, but he hasn't been cleared to begin scrimmaging yet. Los Angeles' franchise player has been sidelined since the beginning of April with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Status in doubt for quarterfinals
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday on NBA Today that the Los Angeles Lakers are not expecting Luka Doncic (hamstring) to return during the first round of the Western Conference playoffs versus Houston.Although it's not necessarily an unexpected update, it sounds like the Lakers will have to advance to the second round in order for Doncic to see the court again in 2025-26. With the superstar guard continuing to nurse a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, LeBron James should remain the focal point of Los Angeles' offense while Luke Kennard takes on an expanded role.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Officially ruled out for Tuesday
Luka Doncic (hamstring) has been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 2 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets.Doncic has been sidelined by a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, and, as expected, will remain out as the Los Angeles Lakers look to extend their series lead to 2-0. An update on Doncic and Austin Reaves' (oblique) status and potential return is likely to come in the next few days, though in the meantime Los Angeles will look to continue getting strong production from Luke Kennard, who delivered a 27-point performance in Game 1.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Out at least one more week
Luka Doncic (hamstring) will miss at least one more week, per Khobi Price of The California Post.Doncic is still considered out indefinitely due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, and his status for the first round of the playoffs versus Houston remains in serious doubt. With Austin Reaves (oblique) also out indefinitely, the Los Angeles Lakers will have to lean more heavily on LeBron James, and Luke Kennard should continue to play a more prominent role in the backcourt as well.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Lakers' Luka Doncic: To be re-evaluated Tuesday
Luka Doncic (hamstring) is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Tuesday, Shams Charania reported on the Pat McAfee Show.Doncic spent the past week in Spain undergoing multiple injection treatments on his Grade 2 hamstring strain. Charania notes that the expectation is that Doncic will be sidelined to start the series, which comes as no surprise, but there should be a better understanding of his timeline once the Los Angeles Lakers re-evaluate him.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Seeking treatment in Europe
Luka Doncic will seek specialized medical treatment in Europe for his Grade 2 left hamstring strain, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.This is an effort to expedite his return to play. Doncic has already been ruled out for the rest of the regular season, but it's no surprise that he will do everything in his power to make a return as early as possible into the postseason.
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by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire
Lakers' Luka Doncic: To miss rest of regular season
Luka Doncic will miss the remainder of the regular season due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, and his status for the playoffs is uncertain, Chris Haynes of NBA TV reports.Doncic exited Thursday's blowout loss to the Thunder in the third quarter and will now miss an extended period with the hamstring injury. The superstar point guard will end the 2025-26 campaign with averages of 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 0.5 blocks in 35.8 minutes per contest. He appeared in 64 regular-season games, finishing one game short of becoming eligible for end-of-season awards, including All-NBA teams and the MVP award. However, he intends to apply for an "Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge" to the 65-game rule, per Shams Charania of ESPN. With Doncic sidelined, Austin Reaves should see increased on-ball duties, while Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura and Bronny James are candidates to see increased burn going forward.