The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in the second half of their Game 4 matchup against the Houston Rockets. At this point in time, it appears that the series is likely to be extended for a Game 5 barring another shocking comeback.
LeBron James and company began the series with three straight wins. Even without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers have looked the part of an NBA Finals contender.
With that being said, Los Angeles is eagerly awaiting Doncic’s return to the court.
Back on April 2, Doncic suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. He has been out since then and there has been no clear date targeted for his return.
A new update has been shared about his potential return timeline from a popular sports doctor.
Sports Doctor Offers New Update on Luka Doncic’s Potential Return
Jesse Morse, a sports doctor who has become a popular follow for sports fans on X, weighed in with a much more specific return timeline.
“Sounds like Luka Doncic is about 10-14 days away from returning to the court,” Morse wrote.
Should Doncic be able to make his return in 10 days, he would have a good chance of competing in the Lakers’ second round series. If they can close out the Rockets, Los Angeles would go on to face the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns series.
Basically, the Lakers are going to face the defending champion Thunder if they can get past Houston.
In order to have any chance of unseating Oklahoma City, Los Angeles will need Doncic playing at a high level. This new timeline gives the team a chance of seeing that happen.
LeBron James Has Been Incredible Thus Far in the Playoffs
James has put the Lakers on his back throughout the first three games of the playoffs. He has turned back the clock when the team needed him the most.
In Game 1, he scored 19 points to go along with 13 assists and eight rebounds. He followed up that performance with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in Game 2.
Then, in Game 3, James exploded for 29 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.
Reaves, another important piece for Los Angeles, is also nearing a return to the court. There is a very real chance that the Lakers could get back to full health to take on the Thunder. That would make for a must-watch series.
Hopefully, Doncic continues progressing quickly. There is concern with hamstring injuries about lingering issues, but Los Angeles is sure to be very careful with the Slovenian superstar before bringing him back to the court.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic Return Timeline Updated by Sports Doctor