For weeks, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic has watched his team compete from the sidelines.
As the Lakers went through the final stretch of the regular season, Doncic suffered a notable setback. A Grade 2 hamstring strain was his diagnosis, which put him on what’s believed to be an eight-week timeline.
The Lakers were already playoff-bound when Doncic went down, so his absence didn’t affect them much before the postseason.
Fortunately, the Lakers managed to overcome the void of the scoring champion and took down the Houston Rockets in round one.
All has been as well as it can be for the Lakers, who are starting to miss Doncic. As for Doncic, he’s been navigating through a tough time.
Luka Doncic Gets Real On His Feelings During The Absence
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 12: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Crypto.com Arena on March 12, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
On Wednesday, Doncic addressed reporters for the first time since he started his recovery.
“It’s very frustrating,” he told reporters, describing the time off.
“I don’t think people understand how frustrating it is. All I wanna do is play basketball, especially at this time. It’s the best time to play basketball. It’s very frustrating. But to see what my team is doing, I’m very proud of them. But it’s been very tough just to see it and watch them play.”
The Lakers Are Starting To Miss Doncic
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
LA shocked the basketball world by taking out the Rockets without Doncic on the court.
Now that they are one game into their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the new challenge offers a different perspective. LeBron James made it clear that Doncic was missed in Game 1.
âWe have a guy that averaged 37 a game (not in the lineup),â James said after the loss, via LakersNation.
âWeâre playing against the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA, as far as the ratings and everything. And when you play against great defenses, you have to have guys that can attract multiple defenders on the floor at all times. I feel like we got some great shots tonight, and we missed them. When you play against the World Champions, having a guy that averages 34-8-9, whatever the hell it is, thatâs special.â
During the 2025-2026 NBA season, Doncic posted averages of 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.
Before his injury, Doncic was starting to gain steam as a possible MVP candidate. Heading into the playoffs with that momentum could’ve been major for the Lakers. Unfortunately, LA understands they won’t be getting Doncic on the court anytime soon.
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