All-Star guard Luka Doncic reportedly still can’t run or take part in full-contact practice. But that hasn’t kept the Los Angeles Lakers star from pumping iron.
On the eve of Game 1 of the Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder series, Doncic posted a photo on his Instagram stories of him lifting weights, as seen below.
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Luka Doncic Injury Update
Earlier on Monday, Doncic was also seen getting shots up at the Lakers’ facility. However, Lakers head coach JJ Redick tempered expectations by reiterating that he had no timeline for the Slovenian’s return to in-game action.
“I don’t have any updates on Luka,” Redick said.
Doncic, who sustained a grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2, was previously estimated to be cleared within the four-to-six week timeline. However, several sources have suggested that he hasn’t made the progress that the Lakers had hoped. The six-time All-Star also underwent specialized cell therapy in Spain in an effort to expedite his return.
“One source told me in the last few days, ‘It’s still a slow path on Doncic’s recovery,’” ESPN’s Shams Charania told “Inside the NBA” on ESPN on Sunday. “He’s doing more and more on the court, but still not full-fledged running or full contact workouts.”
Luka Doncic Return Timeline
For what it’s worth, some insiders have earmarked Game 3 or Game 4 of the Lakers vs. Thunder series as a possible date for Doncic’s return.
“Although it is early, sources close to the situation said the earliest Doncic would possibly return in a series against the Thunder would be when play shifts to Los Angeles for Games 3 and 4,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel wrote last week. “But there is no guarantee Doncic would be available for either game, as his status over the next two weeks will be dependent on how his body heals and responds to treatment.”
Slovenian outlet Ekipa also reported this week that a source close to Doncic was hopeful for a return in Game 4 on May 11 at the Crypto.com Arena.
“He is still not running at full intensity, nor is he training with full contact,” read the report. “This, of course, means that his return is still a long way off, and according to some information, we could see him on the court around Game 4 against Oklahoma. But this is still premature information, given the current situation.”
All the chatter of a Luka Doncic return could die if the Thunder jump out to a 2-0 or 3-0 lead before this weekend — an extremely realistic scenario. OKC is a colossal -1600 favorite to beat the Lakers and advance to the Western Conference Finals.
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