The Los Angeles Lakers have been riding without superstar point guard Luka Doncic for weeks.
The Lakers are gearing up to play the Houston Rockets in the second game of the first round of the playoffs Tuesday night. L.A. has ruled out Doncic and Austin Reaves for Game 2.
But help may soon be on the way.
Doncic, 27, suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain April 2 in a game against the defending champion Thunder in Oklahoma City. The injury was a literal insult to injury as the Lakers were shellacked by 43 points.
Doncic jetted across waters shortly thereafter to seek specialized treatment on his hamstring, which was rampantly speculated as the 27-year-old Lakers star was in Spain.
On Friday, Doncic returned to Los Angeles and rejoined the Lakers after spending a couple of weeks overseas.
This week, he returned to Lakers practice, indicating the first major positive sign in his return to the court.
Today marks 19 days since Doncic went down with injury. A Grade 2 hamstring strain is typically a monthlong process, but with Doncic having sought out unique treatment, the hope is that he can return to the court as early as sometime next week.
New Update on Luka Doncic Surfaces Ahead of Game 2
The Lakers triumphed in Game 1 over the Rockets. The victory was assisted by the absence of 16-time All-Star Kevin Durant — Houston’s leading scorer — who was a late-scratch leading up to the game.
Durant, 37, banged his knee in practice earlier this week. Reports say Durant is dealing with “deep” bruising in his knee but is expected to be available for Game 2. As of right now, the Rockets star is listed as questionable on the injury report.
Meanwhile, with Houston dealing with Durant’s injury and compromising series momentum, the Lakers are hoping for another boost in the form of a Doncic return.
According to the International Business Times, Doncic has ramped up participation in Lakers practice as he works toward a comeback.
“Recent reports indicate Doncic has resumed light practice activities, marking a positive step in his rehabilitation protocol. As of April 21, Doncic remains officially ruled out for Game 2 against the Rockets on Tuesday night,” the Times wrote.
Although Doncic won’t be in uniform tonight, several signs point to a speedier return to the court. After all, he was out of the country for a while to receive stem cell therapy on his hamstring. One would imagine Doncic will have seen some benefit from the treatment.
GettyLuka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench.
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In practice earlier this week, head coach JJ Redick maintained Doncic would be out “indefinitely.” But there is reason to believe a targeted return date could be announced sometime later this week.
Before Doncic returned to the United States, reports surfaced saying Doncic would be reevaluated by the team’s medical staff shortly after he rejoined the Lakers. It has now been three full days since Doncic has been back.
Today marks the fourth day since Doncic has reunited with the team. After a Lakers practice in the coming days, coach Redick could have an update on a potential Doncic return date.
Doncic and Reaves both incurred Grade 2 strains on the same day, but the general belief is Doncic is set to return earlier.
L.A. is hoping at least one of its two top scorers can return to the lineup with the first round series set to shift to Houston after tonight.
Lakers Get Critical Luka Doncic Injury Update Before Game 2 vs Rockets