The Los Angeles Lakers got a pessimistic Luka Dončić injury update as they move closer to eliminating Houston. Dr. David Chao, the former San Diego Chargers team physician who now tracks injuries as ProFootballDoc, delivered a blunt assessment on his podcast.
“Round 2 at best,” Chao said. “I’m not saying Game 1 of Round 2. I’m saying Round 2 at best. We always thought there was no way Round 1 for Luka. Whether that’s early Round 2 or late Round 2 remains to be seen.”
If Chao is right, the Lakers need to advance another round before Dončić is fully available.
Luka Dončić Return Risk: Lakers Must Proceed With Caution
Dončić has been sidelined since suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He traveled to Spain for platelet-rich plasma and stem cell treatments on the hamstring, according to Yahoo Sports.
He returned before the playoffs opened and has been rehabbing with the Lakers’ medical staff. Head coach JJ Redick confirmed he has resumed on-court movement, while ESPN‘s Dave McMenamin reported video of Dončić doing controlled shooting and movement drills after practice.
Chao drew a sharp contrast between Dončić and Austin Reaves, who is managing a left oblique strain. A premature Reaves return carries manageable risk. A premature Dončić return is a different proposition.
“Luka Dončić, if you return a game too early and there’s a setback, you’re now out for the rest of the playoffs,” Chao said on the podcast. “So you have to be a little more careful with him.”
Who Is Dr. David Chao? His Controversial History
Chao has faced criticism over his past record. During his 15-year tenure as the then-San Diego Chargers team physician, the California Medical Board filed a complaint seeking to revoke his license, citing repeated allegedly negligent acts, while multiple lawsuits were filed against him, according to Deadspin.
Additional reports cited DUI incidents, a DEA investigation, and licensing issues, according to NBC San Diego. He later stepped down from the Chargers and has since built a profile as a media injury analyst.
Lakers Turnovers Expose Cost of Dončić’s Absence
Sunday’s Game 4 collapse showed why a healthy Dončić matters more than a rushed return. Dončić and Reaves combined for 13.8 of the Lakers’ 25.9 assists per game during the regular season.
Without them, Los Angeles has posted a playoff-worst 18.3 turnovers per game in this series, according to Lake Show Life. Houston applied full-court pressure, and the Lakers repeatedly struggled to initiate offense. LeBron James recorded nine assists against eight turnovers.
Los Angeles still leads the series 3-1 after the 115-96 defeat and needs one more win to advance. Reaves could return for Game 5 and stabilize the backcourt. But the Lakers’ championship ceiling likely depends on when Luka Dončić can safely return.
Lakers Luka Dončić Injury Update Turns Pessimistic Before Round 2