The Los Angeles Lakers could soon have their biggest star back on the floor.
Luka Doncic is expected to return to the United States on Tuesday following a week overseas and will be re-evaluated as he works his way back from a hamstring injury, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
“Luka Doncic, he spent the last week in Spain, from my understanding, the majority of time in Spain,” Charania said on The Pat McAfee Show. “He underwent multiple injection treatments in that hamstring to see if he can promote quick healing. My understanding is he’ll be back in the States on Tuesday, and they’re going to reevaluate him.”
Luka Doncic Injury Update Comes at Critical Time for Lakers
Doncic has been sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered late in the regular season, forcing the Lakers to adjust heading into the playoffs.
His absence looms large for a Los Angeles team that finished the regular season at 52-29 and is preparing for a first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers will open their postseason series at home on April 18, but Doncic’s availability for Game 1 remains uncertain pending his re-evaluation.
Doncic’s MVP-Caliber Season Highlights His Importance
Before the injury, Doncic delivered one of the most dominant offensive seasons in the NBA.
The 27-year-old Slovenian star captured the league’s scoring title for the 2025-26 campaign, averaging 33.5 points across 64 games — finishing comfortably ahead of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards.
It marked the second scoring title of his career and underscored his role as the focal point of the Lakers’ offense.
In addition to his scoring output, Doncic averaged 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from 3-point range on a league-high 10.8 attempts per game.
Special Treatment in Spain Signals Urgency
Doncic’s decision to travel to Spain for treatment reflects both the severity of the injury and the urgency of his return timeline.
The injection-based therapy is designed to accelerate healing in the hamstring, though the effectiveness — and potential timeline — will become clearer after his evaluation in the United States.
The Lakers have remained cautious publicly, but internally, the focus has been on getting Doncic as close to full strength as possible for the postseason.
JJ Redick Provides Insight Into Doncic’s Mindset
GettyLos Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick gives instructions to guard Luka Doncic.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Doncic has stayed engaged despite being away from the team.
“I’m not gonna share how long he’s going to be over there, but I think he’s in good spirits,” Redick said last week. “In my conversations with him, he’s motivated to do everything possible. I know for him, it’s hard for him not to be on a basketball court.
“That’s his happy place. He’s one of the handful of guys that really play year-round… he likes to be in the gym, he likes to be working on his craft. I think it’s hard for him. He wants to get back on the court.”
Lakers Face Early Playoff Test Without Full Roster
Even with uncertainty surrounding Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers will enter their series against Houston with confidence.
Los Angeles won the regular-season series 2-1, but the Rockets, led by Kevin Durant, present a physical and versatile challenge.
With LeBron James still anchoring the team, the Lakers believe they can remain competitive while awaiting Doncic’s return.
Still, his re-evaluation on Tuesday could ultimately determine how far Los Angeles can go this postseason.
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