The LA Lakers are hit with a massive reality check on Wednesday morning, a day after they dropped Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the OKC Thunder, 108-90.
In his first media interview in the playoffs, Doncic revealed that the initial prognosis for his Grade 2 hamstring injury was eight weeks. That means that the Lakers would only have a healthy Doncic back to action if they reach the NBA Finals this season.
“I’m just doing everything I can. Every day I’m doing stuff I’m supposed to do,” he told reporters. “You know, obviously recovering now, working. Like I said, doctors said eight weeks at the beginning of the first time around. So, you know, I’m just going day by day and I feel better every day.”
8 week mark would mean end of Western Conference Finals would be realistic return.
The evaluation reflects the earlier prediction by sports doctors that Doncic would be out six to eight weeks, depending on his recovery.
According to Doncic, he has begun getting back to form through running, a positive step towards recovery. However, he has yet to have any full-contact activity with the team.
Doncic travelled to Spain last month to get a stem cell procedure for his leg in the hopes of accelerating recovery ahead of the NBA playoffs. He has yet to suit up for the Lakers in the postseason, five weeks after picking up the injury late in the regular season against the Thunder.
However, Doncic could still return earlier than expected, especially since he is needed now by the Lakers more than ever. The Lakers struggled to execute against the defensive-oriented Thunder in Game 1, with the 41-year-old LeBron James leading the way with 27 points.
In the first round, the Lakers managed to hold off the Rockets despite missing Doncic and Austin Reaves for a lengthy stretch. They defeated the Rockets in six games to set up a series with the Thunder.
LeBron James Says Luka Doncic Is a Big Void To Fill Against the Thunder
LeBron James tries to fill the void left by Luka Doncic.
LeBron Jame got honest about having to play without Luka Doncic against the Thunder.
Following the Lakers’ Game 1 loss in OKC, James pointed out how difficult it is to fill the void left by Doncic.
“We have a guy that averaged 37 a game (not in the lineup),” James said. “We’re playing against the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA, as far as the ratings and everything.”
“When you play against great defenses, you have to have guys that can attract multiple defenders on the floor at all times. I feel like we got some great shots tonight, and we missed them. When you play against the World Champions, having a guy that averages 34-8-9, whatever the hell it is, that’s special,” he added.
James had to orchestrate the offense for the Lakers in the playoffs. Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game in the regular season.
Lakers Look To Tie Round 2 Series Against the Thunder in Game 2
GettyOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James clash in the NBA Playoffs.
Game 2 of the Lakers-Thunder series will be on Thursday, May 7, still in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder has yet to lose a game in the postseason. While the Lakers miss out on Doncic, the Thunder will also be without Jalen Williams, who suffered a left hamstring strain in the first round.
Lakers Get Bad News As They Must Reach The NBA Finals To Have Healthy Luka Doncic