The Los Angeles Lakers received a notable development ahead of Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, as Luka Doncic was back on the practice court Monday for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury earlier this month.
Doncic’s return to practice, first reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, showed the star guard participating in light activity, including rebounding for teammates. While not a full return to game action, the sight of Doncic moving around the floor marked a significant step in his recovery process.
Luka Doncic Attends Lakers Practice Amid Injury Recovery
Doncic has been sidelined since April 2 due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain — his second such injury this season. In an effort to accelerate recovery, he traveled to Europe for a specialized medical procedure, a move that could potentially shorten his timeline.
According to Khobi Price of The California Post, the Lakers’ playoff schedule may also work in Doncic’s favor.
“The schedule undoubtedly helps the Lakers,” Price wrote, noting that the spacing between games could allow additional recovery time. While a typical timeline might rule him out for the entire series, an expedited recovery could open the door for a return as early as Game 4 or Game 5.
Lakers Schedule Provides Window for Possible Return
The structure of the first-round series against the Houston Rockets offers crucial rest days. After Game 2 on Tuesday, the series transitions into a more spaced-out rhythm, potentially giving Doncic enough time to progress through rehabilitation.
If the series extends to six or seven games, the timeline would align closely with a one-month recovery window from the initial injury — a scenario that keeps hope alive for a mid-series return.
Danny Green Offers Caution on Doncic Injury Timeline
Despite the optimism surrounding Doncic’s return to practice, former NBA champion Danny Green provided a more conservative outlook.
“When I heard Grade 2, I said he’s out. He’s not coming back,” Green said during a recent media availability. “That’s usually four to six weeks. But if you’ve already injured it before, you can add another two weeks on top of that.”
Green, who won a title with the Lakers in 2020, emphasized the risks associated with hamstring injuries, particularly at that severity.
“Hamstrings are very sensitive,” he added. “If you pop that thing, you’re out for a very long time.”
Lakers Win Game 1 Without Luka Doncic
Even without Doncic and fellow guard Austin Reaves, the Lakers managed to secure a 107-98 victory over Houston in Game 1.
Luke Kennard led the way with a career playoff-high 27 points, while LeBron James added 19 points and 13 assists. Deandre Ayton contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds as Los Angeles leaned on efficiency and defense to take the series lead.
“That’s what it has to be — a collective group,” James said. “When you’re missing so much firepower… we all have to do our job.”
Luka Doncic’s Status Remains Key for Lakers’ Playoff Run
While the Lakers have proven capable of winning without their star guard, Doncic’s presence would significantly elevate their ceiling in the series.
His return to practice signals progress, but questions remain about whether he can safely return without risking further injury. With the series just beginning, Los Angeles appears willing to balance urgency with caution.
For now, Doncic’s progression will be closely monitored — with each practice serving as a potential indicator of when, or if, he might return to the floor this postseason.
Lakers Get Major Luka Doncic Return News Before Game 2 vs Rockets