Here’s when Luka Doncic could return for Lakers vs. Thunder
Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain and is expected to miss the first two games of the Lakers' Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury, sustained on April 2, has kept Doncic out of the entire postseason so far, including the first-round series against the Rockets. While he has begun light on-court activities, he has not been cleared for full contact or full-speed drills and will be reevaluated before the team travels to Oklahoma City.
- ▪Luka Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2 against the Thunder, the same team the Lakers face in the semifinals.
- ▪Doncic has not played in the postseason and missed the entire first-round series against the Rockets.
- ▪He has started controlled on-court work but must be cleared for full-speed running and contact before returning to play.
- ▪Sources indicate Doncic is expected to miss the first two games of the semifinal series, with Game 3 scheduled for Saturday in Los Angeles.
- ▪Teammate Austin Reaves emphasized Doncic's importance to the team, noting the difficulty of filling the void he leaves in controlling game tempo.
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NBA Here’s when Luka Doncic could return for Lakers vs. Thunder By Michael Duarte Published May 3, 2026, 5:31 p.m. ET Lakers coach JJ Redick delivered a short-and-blunt answer when asked for an update on injured superstar Luka Doncic. “No update,” Redick said repeatedly. The Lakers’ Luka Doncic is expected to miss at least the first few games of the series against the Thunder. AP Doncic is nearing the five-week mark since suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2 against the Thunder, which coincidentally is the team’s second-round opponent in the NBA playoffs. Doncic’s injury already cost him the first-round series against the Rockets. A series the Lakers survived in six games, by winning on the road Friday night.
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