Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Doncic returning for the rest of their first-round series seems impossible.
The Lakers entered the 2026 NBA Playoffs on a strong note with a convincing win over the Rockets in Game 1 last Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Donic has not played since April 2 with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered in the Lakers’ crushing loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After Doncic underwent an MRI, the Lakers have officially ruled Doncic out for the remainder of the regular season.
Once again, hope appeared when Doncic returned to the team on Friday ahead of Game 1 after receiving an injection in his left hamstring.
The injury usually takes 4-6 weeks to heal, but at the time of writing an update on Doncic’s availability is awaited.
But Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters last week, saying, “They’re out indefinitely,” and both Doncic and Austin Reaves were ruled out.
Redick added, “I’m not going to have an update for you this week. They’re out indefinitely.”
Right now, Austin Reaves has returned to activity on the field and could be back for at least the series, according to ESPN.
The Lakers take a 2-0 lead after a 101-94 win in Game 2 on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
How soon will Luka Doncic return to the NBA playoffs?
As things stand on Tuesday, April 21, it appears the most likely scenario would be Doncic not returning to the playoffs until at least the second round, assuming the Lakers advance.
