LA Lakers superstar Luka Doncic grimaced in pain while grabbing his left hamstring midway through the third quarter against the OKC Thunder on Thursday. The MVP contender fell on the floor and covered his face while the Lakers’ training staff rushed to check on him. LA faced a 90-58 deficit when Doncic suffered the non-contact injury.
The timing of Doncic’s injury could be a big blow to the Lakers’ playoff campaign. How far LA will last in the postseason could depend on the severity of the superstar point guard’s injury.
When Could Luka Doncic Return From Hamstring Injury?
Luka Doncic suffered a mild left hamstring injury on Feb. 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers. He was sidelined for roughly two weeks due to an issue that nearly cost him an All-Star Game appearance.
If Doncic has the same mild or Grade 1 hamstring injury, he could be out for the same duration. It should be noted that the Lakers never rushed Doncic back as the season was still around the halfway point. Doncic is likely out for the remainder of the Lakers’ regular season, which will end on Apr. 12.
A Grade 2 hamstring injury, which, according to Total Orthopaedic Care (TOC), could lead to “loss of strength and flexibility.” In this level, the report emphasized that it is “more immediate and severe than a Grade 1 strain.” For NBA players or people who do high-intensity sports, this could demand at least three to five weeks of rehab.
Fortunately for the Lakers, they don’t have to go through the play-in tournament, which starts on April 14. Luka Doncic has a glimmer of hope of returning for the first round of the playoffs, which will begin on April 18.
A Grade 3 hamstring injury, which requires “intensive treatment,” according to TOC, will end Doncic’s 2025-26 NBA season. Players usually need three months to recover from a “complete rupture or tear of the muscle.” Even if the LA Lakers reach the NBA Finals, June will still be too early for Doncic to return.
Also Read: Stan Van Gundy Accuses Luka Doncic of Quitting on Plays Due to Unfavorable Whistle Amid OKC Mauling
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