DHJ Quick Take
- Medical Treatment in Spain: Luka Dončić is returning to Los Angeles following specialized injection therapy in Spain designed to accelerate the healing of his Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
- Playoff Availability: While the Lakers officially listed him as “out indefinitely” after his April 2 injury, Dončić is reportedly highly motivated to return in time for the team’s 2026 postseason run.
- Imminent Deadline: Dončić’s return to the team coincides with the start of the first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, which tips off on Saturday, April 18.
Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić will rejoin the team on Friday, April 17, after going to Spain to receive injections in his injured left hamstring to promote healing and expedite his return to the court, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Dončić suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. The Lakers said the All-Star is out indefinitely, but Dončić’s agent, Bill Duffy of WME Basketball, stated his client is motivated to return to the Lakers’ lineup for the 2026 playoffs.
Los Angeles faces the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Game 1 is on Saturday, April 18.
In his first full season with the Lakers, Dončić put up spectacular numbers. He averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game while shooting 47.6% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 78.0% from the free-throw line. The future Hall of Famer led the league in points and points per game.
Along with Dončić, the Lakers are also without Austin Reaves, who is expected to miss the entire first round of the playoffs because of a Grade 2 left oblique strain. Dončić and Reaves were the highest-scoring duo in the NBA this season at 56.8 points per game.
The Lakers will likely start LeBron James, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton against the Rockets. While anything is possible, no one who covers the NBA expects Dončić or Reaves to play in the Houston series.
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