There was real hope that Luka Doncic could make his return to the LA Lakers’ lineup late in their first-round series, or possibly in the second round if the team advanced. That optimism has taken a hit as Shams Charania recently shared an update regarding Doncic’s recovery moving slower than expected.
According to the ESPN reporter, the Lakers coaching staff may continue to keep Doncic out even if the team reaches a second-round matchup against the OKC Thunder.
“It is a slow-path on the recovery front for Luka. 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 time table for him as of right now,” Charania said.
Considering that Doncic is the centerpiece of the Lakers’ offense, the idea of facing a team as strong as the Thunder without him is tough to swallow. It would significantly hurt their chances of pulling off any upset, and fans are clearly feeling that frustration.
“LeBron dealing with the same BS in year 41,” @YUBlKO wrote.
“Up to LeBron to continue to do amazing things at age 41,” @Rumble_Ray said.
“Beating okc with Luka was already slim. But if he can’t play it’s over,” @R24LA wrote.
“Season over. Might as well play Nick smith 40 minutes and let Houston come back and win the series,” @streamerzunited said.
“I’d just rather he not return to be honest. I don’t think the risk is worth it,” @kristenisbored wrote.
The Lakers were swept 4-0 by the Thunder during the 2025-2026 regular season. Oklahoma City dominated those matchups comfortably, winning by an average margin of 29.3 points per game. Without Doncic, the challenge only gets more difficult.
There is at least a bit of encouraging news. While Doncic is still working through his hamstring injury, there is optimism that Austin Reaves could return for the Lakers in the upcoming clash of their ongoing series against the Houston Rockets.
JJ Redick shared a positive update on Luka Doncic
Shams Charania shocked the basketball world with his report that Luka Doncic could be sidelined for a potential second-round matchup between the LA Lakers and the OKC Thunder. However, Lakers head coach JJ Redick offered a more encouraging update on Doncic’s condition.
Speaking ahead of Game 5, Redick revealed that the guard has begun showing signs of progress by moving on the court again.
“JJ Redick said Luka Doncic started movement on the court today as he continues to rehab his left hamstring strain. “Most of his stuff [before] had been standstill,” Redick said,” Dave McMenamin wrote on X.
At this point, there is still no definitive answer on whether Doncic will miss the series against Oklahoma City. What is clear is that the Lakers’ front office will be cautious. They are unlikely to rush him back unless they are confident he is fully healthy, prioritizing the long-term well-being of their star.
Read More: “The Rockets Are Cooked”: Lakers Fans Go Berserk Over Massive Austin Reaves News Ahead of Game 5
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