Luka Doncic Injury Return Update, Latest Rumors on Lakers Star amid NBA Playoff Run
The public got an update Friday on Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić, who is working his back from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Cassidy Hubbarth provided the latest during the Amazon Prime broadcast of Game 6 of the Lakers' first round series vs. the Houston Rockets.
"There's been no timeline, there has been some progress on the court, he's now doing some movement work in drills, getting up shots, but it is controlled. He hasn't advanced to one-on-one or full contact work yet, and he's not into any scrimmages, so it's a little more than just spot shooting.
"But still a step away from anything live. In the meantime teammates say just having him back around the group matters, but this remains a slow build towards a return, not an imminent one."
The health of Dončić and Austin Reaves (oblique) was the biggest storyline surrounding the Lakers heading into the playoffs. Dončić's absence in particular was quite the blow, as he is one of the best players in the entire league and can take over postseason games and series whenever he is on the floor.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported ahead of the playoffs that both Dončić and Reaves would be sidelined for the start of the first-round matchup against the Rockets. Reaves returned before Game 5.
Dončić had been rehabbing in Europe and underwent injection treatments but returned to the United States ahead of that series.
While LeBron James can still be a go-to option even at this point of his career, the Lakers likely aren't going to win or realistically compete for the championship they were surely eyeing at times this season without a healthy Dončić.
The six-time All-Star led the NBA in scoring this season at 33.5 points per game, marking the second scoring title of his career. He also averaged 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds a night while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from deep.
The offense runs through him when he is on the floor, and he represents Los Angeles' best chance to challenge the top contenders in the Western Conference.
It will be up to the 41-year-old James to carry the offense while Dončić is not on the floor.
