The Los Angeles Lakers may be without Luka Doncic for the entire playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic is out at least Game 1 with the expectation that the Lakers star will be sidelined even longer.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Doncic “will be out to start this series” as the star continues to recover from a hamstring injury. The NBA insider previously reported that the expectation is that Doncic will be out for the entire series, but the Lakers have not announced a specific return timeline.
“I’m told right now Luka Doncic will be out to start this series against the Oklahoma City Thunder,” Charania explained in a May 3, episode of “NBA Tip-Off.” “The Lakers are evaluating Doncic on a week to week basis with that grade two hamstring strength.
“So he’s missed about a month right now. One source told me in the last few days it’s still a slow path on Doncic’s recovery. He’s doing more and more on the court, but right now still not full-fledged running or full contact workouts.”
Here’s what you need to know about Doncic’s injury and return timeline.
Luka Doncic Is Expected to Miss Entire Lakers-Thunder Playoff Series: Insider
As Charania reported, Doncic does not appear close to full speed work on the court. The Lakers head into the second round matchup against the Thunder as heavy underdogs.
Doncic may need the Lakers to advance to the Western Conference Finals in order to play again this season. During the Lakers-Rockets series, Charania reported that Doncic was expected to miss the entire second round.
“My understanding is it is a slow path on the recovery front for Luka,” Charania remarked during an April 28, edition of “SportsCenter.” “The expectation is if the Lakers are able to beat Houston and advance, Luka Doncic will be out for the next series.
“There’s still no timetable for him as of right now. He’s starting to do more court movement as JJ Redick said the other day, but he is not at the point where he’s progressing in his on-court workouts as far as one-on-ones and truly pushing it on a movement front.”
Luka Doncic Is ‘Not Close’ to Returning to Play for the Lakers in the NBA Playoffs
For Lakers fans looking to hold out hope, look no further than Anthony Edwards. The Minnesota Timberwolves star was able to beat the projected injury timeline to play in Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs, but Doncic’s health appears to be a more serious issue.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Doncic is “not close” to returning to the court.
“He is not close,” Windhorst explained in a May 4, edition of “Get Up.” “… There is a whole ramp up that is required when you are coming back from a hamstring. He has not started that contact ramp up yet.
“Look, the Lakers get a break by starting this series a little bit (later and can) rest LeBron, but it (has) not brought Luka back. A series last 14 days. I don’t know where they’ll be in 10 days, but do not expect to see Luka the first few games of the series.”
It may be up to LeBron James and Austin Reaves to attempt to lead the Lakers to a potential upset over the Thunder. Doncic has yet to play in this edition of the NBA playoffs.
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