Luka Doncic looked on as the Los Angeles Lakers battled the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Then he watched the game slowly get out of hand as the Lakers picked up their third loss of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
The same story has been told about Doncic since early April.
He has been sidelined for over a month. He’s frustrated his Grade 2 hamstring strain must take so long to recover. And with the Lakers staring at a potentially 0-2 deficit before the series changes cities, things are not looking fabulous.
The Thunder did what many expected they would in Tuesday’s Game 1. They were clearly rusty and lacked their usual fast-ball, but they continue to show just how darn good they are at the end of the day.
The Lakers were dealt an 18-point loss and a blow to the gut in the opening game of these semifinals.
Now Lakers fans want to know the chances Doncic comes off the bench, puts on a jersey and tries to save the day.
With how Game 1 played out, Lakers fans are fearful Doncic will even be seen again this season.
Luka Doncic Doesn’t Hide True Feeling About the Thunder
It can’t be a good feeling for him sitting on that bench.
Not only is he watching his team fight a steep uphill battle against the defending NBA champions, he has to sit and stare at that very spot on the court where his season potentially ended five weeks ago.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers brings the ball up court during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Doncic himself informed reporters today his doctor told him his Grade 2 hamstring strain would take eight weeks to recover.
Perhaps Doncic resigned to the fact that his season is over. Perhaps he’s frustrated by the circumstances at hand.
Or maybe he knows somewhere deep down inside the team the Lakers are currently facing is just a different beast.
Ahead of Game 2, Doncic made his feelings on the Thunder clear. He has nothing but praise.
When asked what differences he sees in today’s Oklahoma City team and the one he faced two years ago as a member of the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic kept it simple.
“I mean, it’s a different team, you know,” Doncic said Wednesday. “I don’t wanna talk much about [the] past, but, obviously, they are the best team in the league right now. They have so many guys that can play. It’s very tough. The crowd is unbelievable here. We need to be together at all times.”
L.A. Star Asked About Potential Return This Season
Perhaps no one outside of Los Angeles believes the Lakers were in for a massive upset, but at least seeing Doncic in uniform would make for a more enjoyable series.
At this point, even Doncic can’t say with confidence what his status is moving forward.
“The day I did the MRI on the hamstring, the doctor told me eight weeks [recovery] at the beginning,” he said. “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.”
When pressed on whether he plans to suit up once the series moves to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4, Doncic stopped short of offering a clear answer.
“I’m just doing everything I can,” said Doncic, adding that he has started running but has not done any contact drills. “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, almost certainly without Doncic again, will be back in Oklahoma City for Game 2 against the Thunder.
They’ll need to pull off something they haven’t all season to pull an upset.
Luka Doncic Drops Eye-Opening Admission on Facing OKC Before Game 2