Los Angeles Luka Doncic addressed the media for the first time since he went down with a left hamstring strain on Apr. 2 against the OKC Thunder. Doncic assured that he has done everything possible to return as soon as possible after the Lakers lost Game 1 of the Western Conference semis to the Thunder.
He also addressed his visit to Spain for treatment, sharing insights on what procedures he underwent to fast-track his recovery. Doncic revealed that he visited the European country to receive PRP treatment.
“I went to Spain to do PRP,” Doncic said. “Everybody knows that Spain, they’re just one of the best countries to do that. And obviously, I talked with the Lakers’ doctors, so everybody agreed for me to go there.”
Doncic’s stay in Spain lasted longer than expected. He explained that he had to get multiple injections four days apart, resulting in his prolonged visit to the country where he played before with Real Madrid. Doncic also revealed that he was told it was an eight-week injury. Contrary to reports, he shared that he has begun running.
Sports Doctor Brian Sutterer analyzed Luka Doncic’s comments on his YouTube Channel on Wednesday, offering encouraging news after listening to the Lakers superstar.
“Arguably, I would say that Luka is probably ahead of schedule. Honestly, if they told him this is a two-month injury, and he’s already running at four weeks, that’s encouraging. He truly might back in two weeks and have taken that eight-week injury down to a six-week injury, which would be a massive success with that injection.”
A two-week return, as suggested by Dr. Sutterer, would keep him out of the Thunder series, even if it extends to seven games, as it would be on May 18. OKC stormed past LA with a 108-90 win, further dampening the Lakers’ chances of making this a lengthy contest or advancing to the conference finals without Luka Doncic.
Nevertheless, if the Lakers somehow escape, Doncic’s recovery path would turn out fruitful, given that he could realistically return in the Western Conference finals.
Luka Doncic officially ruled out for Game 2 vs. Thunder, as Lakers face other injury concerns too
The Lakers’ injury woes have gone from bad to worse ahead of Game 2. Luka Doncic remains officially out as expected, but he’s joined by two key rotation players in Luke Kennard and Jarred Vanderbilt. Kennard, who was key in leading the Lakers to wins in Games 1 and 2 of their first-round series against the Rockets, is questionable to play in Game 2 against the Thunder. He’s dealing with a sore neck.
Meanwhile, Jarred Vanderbilt is likely out as he’s listed as doubtful to play after a freakish finger injury in Game 1. Vanderbilt jammed his pinky on the backboard in the second quarter and suffered a full dislocation. He needed stitches, too, after the bone in his finger poked out of his skin.
