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 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.
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.
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 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.
Doncic (hamstring) would likely miss the beginning of the Western Conference Semifinals if the 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.
Lakers' Luka Doncic: Status in doubt for quarterfinals
Rotowire
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday on NBA Today that the Lakers are not expecting 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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Lakers' Luka Doncic: Officially ruled out for Tuesday
Rotowire
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 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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