The Los Angeles Lakers are still without Luka Doncic, and Shams Charania noted that the superstar is still not running or engaging in full-contact workouts. That is not ideal. The Lakers have a few days off before playing nearly every other day against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs. Los Angeles needs their best player, but it looks less likely after Shams’ update.
“I am told Luka Doncic will be out to start the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakes are evaluating Doncic on a week-to-week basis with that Grade 2 hamstring strain. He’s missed about a month right now. One source told me in the last few days, it is still a slow path on Doncic’s recovery. He’s doing more and more on the court, but right now, still not full-fledged running or full contact workouts.”
Luka has already missed more than four weeks of action, and he is still not close. Fans know number 77 is dreaming about a return, but the Lakers need him fully healthy. Even after an extended layoff, it appears Doncic is not close.
Luka Doncic is improving but remains week-to-week
Fans can’t be shocked. Brian Windhorst offered a similar update after the Lakers finished off the Rockets on Friday night. Shams’ notes dimmed hopes for two reasons. He said Luka as week-to-week and admitted Doncic isn’t doing any contract work.
Luka has missed a month of action. He will need to be running and doing full contract practice before going back out on the court. Hamstring injuries are tricky and prone to re-injury. Doncic can’t just appear in a playoff game without checking these boxes in practice. That should have fans worried about him being able to return at all.
A Grade 2 hamstring injury comes with a three-to-six-week recovery timetable. Missing six full weeks would rule out Doncic for the first five games of this series. It seems extremely risky to bring Luka back for a Game 6, especially if the Lakers are already facing elimination. The superstar is their present and future. They can’t risk what is ahead for one game right now.
It is impossible to say how Luka progresses. He is clearly making progress. Fans saw him doing some movement shooting in practice last week. The arrow is pointing up, but it is a slow process. Doncic has a history of soft tissue injuries, so the Lakers are wisely being cautious. Everyone wants him back on the floor, but they need Luka healthy first. That still appears to be a bit away.
The Los Angeles Lakers have not offered an update on Luka Doncic. They announced he suffered a hamstring strain, but they are not letting anyone know when they expect him back. All fans have to go on is what Shams Charania and others are reporting. Everyone hopes Luka can return in this series. It won’t be in the first couple of games. After that, everything will depend on how his recovery is progressing.
It is not the update Lakers fans want. The hopes of seeing him play again are certainly fading with each passing day. Everyone knew the injury was bad the moment it happened. It appears worse than fans thought. All we can do is wait for a positive update and hope to see Doncic back on the floor before the Lakers’ run ends.
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