Lakers coach JJ Redick delivered a short-and-blunt answer Sunday when asked for an update on injured superstar Luka Doncic.
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. But their next challenge against the reigning champions will be far less forgiving.
And all indications are that Doncic won’t be ready.
After traveling to Spain for advanced treatment aimed at accelerating recovery, Doncic’s progression has been labored at best. He’s done controlled on-court work. Shooting, light movement, but has to be cleared for full-speed running, full contact or 1-on-1 drills.
Doncic was not on the court when the media was allowed into the Lakers’ practice on Sunday afternoon but is expected to be reevaluated before the team departs for Oklahoma City.
“Obviously, we always want to have Luka out there,” said teammate Austin Reaves on Sunday. “He’s one of the best players in the league, if not the best player. It’s definitely a different task. Everyone has to play differently to create and fill the void of the things he does for us.”
The void isn’t just about scoring, it’s about controlling the pace and tempo of a game.
Doncic has not played yet in the postseason, but the Lakers hope he can suit up soon. NBAE via Getty Images Sources told The California Post that Doncic is expected to miss the first two games of the Western Conference semifinal series in Oklahoma.
Game 3 is scheduled Saturday in Los Angeles and will land between the five- and six-week mark of when Doncic sustained the injury. The normal timetable for a Grade 2 hamstring strain is between four and eight weeks.
The Lakers will need all hands on deck when their series tips off with the Thunder on Tuesday. Unfortunately, it’s going to start without their best player.
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