Superstar Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is reportedly in Ljubljana, Slovenia, after undergoing a first round of treatment on his injured hamstring in Madrid, Spain, earlier this week.
According to Slovenian media outlet Ekipa, Doncic took a quick trip to his hometown to visit his two daughters and will soon return to Madrid for additional treatment. The All-Star is then expected to return to Los Angeles midweek (around April 15-16).
“According to our unofficial but reliable information, Dončić has already completed the first series of therapies. And immediately after them he went to Ljubljana. Why, probably there is no need to explain. We all know what personal matters he has here, he came to Slovenia to visit his two daughters, whom he has not seen for several months.
It is clear that Dončić also received the blessing of the Los Angeles Lakers, who of course support Luka in every decision he makes. From going to Madrid for treatment, to traveling to Slovenia for a short time in between two series of therapies.”
Luka Doncic Injury Update
The report further explained why Doncic chose to visit Javier Barrio, a sports doctor at his former club, Real Madrid, rather than travel to Switzerland or Germany, two other countries renowned for stem cell therapies.
“After injuring his hamstring, Luka Dončić boarded a plane and traveled to Europe. There were hints as to where he would go. There was talk of Switzerland, Germany, and even Slovenia, but it quickly became clear that Luka traveled to Spain.
“And that he embarked on special stem cell therapies under the watchful eye of Spanish doctor Javier Barrio, who works for Luka’s former club, Real Madrid.”
Luka Doncic Return Timeline
The Lakers are still operating under the assumption that Doncic won’t be back in time for the first round of the playoffs, which gets underway next weekend. However, there’s increasing optimism that Doncic could be ready for the second round of the postseason, which will likely start around May 3-4.
Ekipa provided additional details on Doncic’s travel plans, and how the Lakers are approaching his recovery process.
“The Lakers are aware that the mental well-being of their first star is just as important as the physical. And it is clear that Dončić’s association with his two children will fill his soul and heart and have a beneficial effect on his mental state.
“After a short break in Slovenia, Luka will soon return to Madrid for a new series of therapies. From the Spanish capital, he will then fly to Los Angeles, where he is expected midweek or immediately upon entering his second half.”
Earlier this week, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said that Doncic is “attacking” his rehab and is very determined to rejoin his teammates for the playoffs. The Lakers will begin their postseason campaign next Saturday at home, either against the Houston Rockets or the Minnesota Timberwolves, based on the results of Sunday’s regular-season finale. As it stands, the Lakers are set to face the Rockets in a 4 vs. 5 seed battle.
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