When Luka Doncic was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, it seemingly marked the end of the Los Angeles Lakers’ season.
Doncic had been playing at an MVP level before getting hurt against the Oklahoma City Thunder, a cruel twist of fate for the Lakers star. He was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season, though is working hard to return as soon as possible. It was recently reported Doncic would seek specialized treatment for his hamstring strain, and more details emerged about his recovery plan in Europe.
“The expectation around the Lakers right now is both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be sidelined indefinitely going into the playoffs,” Shams Charania reported on ESPN’s NBA Today. “But we got a new wrinkle going into this week and that’s what I reported last night and I can further report here today. I’m told Luka Doncic is currently in Spain. He traveled there because he’s undergoing an injection procedure in that Grade 2 hamstring area to see if he can promote healing and at the end of the day expedite his return process. He’s doing everything he can to make it back out on the court. We know a Grade 2 hamstring strain typically falls between four to six weeks. He’s doing everything he can to see if he can push that timeline up just a little bit and we’re still not sure exactly how this treatment goes. Does it work? How much does it speed everything up? But that’s what he’s doing, he’s in Spain.”
Doncic is clearly determined to beat the recovery timeline normally associated with a hamstring injury, but it stills remains up in the air as to whether or not it will do any good. The playoffs begin in less than two weeks, so Doncic will likely end up missing most, if not all, of the first round.
Austin Reaves is also out for an extended period of time, thus putting a wrench in Los Angeles’ playoff hopes. The odds are stacked against the Lakers lasting enough for Doncic to return, but it’ll be worth watching them try.
LeBron James had relatable reaction to to Luke Doncic and Austin Reaves injuries
With Doncic and Reaves out, LeBron James will need to carry the Lakers in the meantime. While James is no stranger to being a solo star on the floor, he had a relatable reaction when he heard the news that Doncic and Reaves would be out at least several weeks.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!
