The question of when Luka Doncic is coming back remains top of mind for the Los Angeles Lakers amid their second-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and based on the latest injury updates and potential return timelines, an exact date for the star getting back on the court is still undetermined.
Doncic has been out with a grade 2 hamstring strain that he suffered in the Lakers’ April 2 game against the Thunder, and while he has been making progress on his injury recovery, the star remains without an official return timeline.
However, ahead of the Lakers’ Game 2 against Oklahoma City, Doncic himself broke his silence to the media and offered new updates that, along with what league insiders are saying, could point to when he could be back for Los Angeles.
Is Luka Doncic Playing Tonight?
GettyLos Angeles, CA – March 27: Lakers guard Luka Doncic, #77, reacts to a referee’s call in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Friday, March 27, 2026.
Simply put, no, Doncic is not playing in the Lakers’ Game 2 against the Thunder.
He is listed on the NBA’s official injury report as ‘out’ which is the same status he’s held since he went out with the hamstring injury over a month ago.
His teammate, Austin Reaves, who suffered an oblique strain in the same game against Oklahoma City that saw Doncic go down, has returned from his injury, but as of May 7, the Slovenian is still sidelined.
When Is Luka Doncic Coming Back For The Lakers?
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 31: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a slam dunk against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 31, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Officially, the Lakers have not yet announced when Doncic is coming back from his injury. While there was hope he could have returned in their previous series against the Houston Rockets, he remains out.
Doncic has progressed to on-court work after over a month out, but heading into Game 2, a return timeline is yet to be seen.
Throughout the NBA, hamstring injuries are a serious issue and have a high chance of re-injury once a player returns. So, though Doncic doesn’t appear to be on the near end of his initial timeline, the Lakers are taking a cautious approach with his recovery.
The star himself recently revealed that while a four-to-six week recovery and return timeline was reported after he suffered the injury, doctors told him he would need at least eight weeks to get back fully healthy.
According to both insider Shams Charania and Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin of ESPN, Doncic is likely out for at least the rest of the series against the Thunder. Los Angeles hasn’t officially announced that, but as he lacks a return timeline in general, the star is not expected to play in the second round.
“When you talk about eight weeks, that would suggest he’s nowhere close to a return,” McMenamin said on a recent SportsCenter appearance. “He didn’t flat-out say that he wouldn’t return in this series, but his body language and answers let all of us in the room with him yesterday to believe that we’re not going to see Luka Doncic in this series against the Thunder.”
Additionally, if that eight-week timeline is true, that would mean the Lakers would have to make the NBA Finals to see Doncic return. Facing the defending champions and already down 1-0, that is a tough task, but as seen with their performance in the series against the Rockets, not an impossible one, especially with LeBron James leading the charge.
Luka Doncic Injury Update: Lakers Star Breaks Silence On Recovery And Return
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates in front of Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Ahead of Game 2 of the Lakers-Thunder series, Doncic spoke to the media for the first time since he suffered his hamstring strain more than a month ago, speaking on a wide range of topics regarding his injury.
Along with revealing the eight-week return timeline, Doncic also said this current injury has been different than other ones he’s suffered through his eight-year NBA career.
“This is a different injury than I’ve ever had,” he said. “The recovery’s been a little bit longer. Working every day, trying to come back.”
Doncic also talked about how frustrating it was going through his recovery while sitting on the bench watching the Lakers in the postseason instead of playing on the court with his teammates.
“I don’t think people understand how frustrating it is. All I want to do is play basketball, especially this time. It’s the best time to play basketball,” Doncic added. “It’s very frustrating seeing what my team is doing. I’m very proud of them. It’s been very tough to just to sit and watch them play.”
The star said that he had begun on-court work and that he started running in his workouts, but he has yet to participate in full-contact scrimmages with the team.
“I’m just doing everything I can,” Doncic said. “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.”
Doncic remains without an official return timeline, and though he has progressed in his recovery, the star isn’t expected to play in the Lakers’ series against the Thunder, and he could be out for the rest of the season if Los Angeles can’t advance to the Conference Finals.
While Los Angeles is still without Doncic, the Lakers vs Thunder series continues, as Game 2 tips off at 6:30 pm PST on Thursday, May 8, and will be live on Amazon Prime Video.
Is Luka Doncic Playing Tonight? Lakers Get New Injury Return Update Ahead Of Game 2