The Luka Doncic-less Los Angeles Lakers continue their series against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on Thursday.
Doncic, 27, continues to fight a severe hamstring injury he suffered exactly five weeks ago against the Thunder in Paycom Center.
Over the weeks, there has been plenty of speculation about Doncic’s treatment, recovery and possible return timeline.
Yesterday, Doncic unloaded a heavy quote that, for many, felt the final nail in the Lakers season.
“The day I did the MRI on the hamstring, the doctor told me eight weeks [recovery] at the beginning,” Doncic told reporters Wednesday at the Lakers team hotel. “I’m doing everything I can in the process, and I think we’re on a good way. But at the beginning, he told me eight weeks.”
Being sidelined for over a month, Doncic is frustrated his Grade 2 hamstring strain has had to keep him out of action this long. After the Lakers were dealt an 18-point loss in Game 1 of the West semifinals, it’s clear Doncic’s team desperately needs him back.
It’s not looking good.
The Thunder rolled in the second half of Game 1, opening up a 19-point lead thanks to a barrage of 3-point shooting and swarming defense.
With how Game 1 played out, some are already urging the Lakers to accept the fateful reality.
Doncic is not going to return, and the season is over.
Lakers Warned About Playing Luka Doncic
During Tuesday’s Game 1 broadcast, cameras caught Doncic with a dejected look on his face multiple times. It was clear how badly he wanted to play.
Doncic understands the level of opponent his team is facing. He perhaps knows his team has just a teeny-weeny chance of even staying competitive in this series.
GettyLuka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers remains the focus of injury speculation after a sports doctor predicted a possible return by Thunder Game 5.
Perhaps he knows deep down inside he won’t get to play again until October.
All the reasons why this is one of the toughest stretches of his eight-year career.
Still, the Lakers have not shut down the possibility of Doncic playing again this season. There have been some reports suggesting the Lakers are hopeful Doncic can suit up for Game 3 or Game 4.
But after hearing Doncic’s comments on his injury, the chances are looking slim, to say the very least.
For that reason, writer Melissa Rohlin urges the Lakers to shelve Doncic until next season and not risk long-term injury by playing him in this second round series.
But it’s not worth the risk,” Rohlin wrote for the California Post. “Doncic is doing everything he can to return, including traveling to another continent for a regenerative treatment in which he received injections of his own concentrated blood platelets to accelerate hamstring healing. But Lakers fans need to accept reality. Doncic may not return. He probably shouldn’t return. Not against this team. Not with what could be at stake.
L.A. Star Doesn’t Appear to be Confident About Return
Even Lakers fans understand the kind of uphill battle their team is facing. L.A. is up against the defending NBA champions who are stronger, more experienced and hungrier than last season.
But at least seeing Doncic on the floor would make for a more intriguing series. If nothing else, the sheer amount of starpower on the floor would make for must-see TV.
“I’m just doing everything I can,” Doncic said when asked about his recovery. “Every day, I’m doing stuff I’m supposed to do. Obviously recovery, now I’m working. … Just going day by day, and I feel better every day.”
The Lakers are back in Oklahoma City for Thursday’s Game 2.
Doncic has been ruled out again. After tonight, the focus will shift to Doncic’s status for Game 3 in Los Angeles.
Lakers Receive Harsh Luka Doncic Warning Before Game 2 vs. Thunder