New Luka Doncic Injury Rumors Update 'Slow Path' to Recovery, Status Ahead of Lakers vs. Thunder

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić is still working his way back from the hamstring strain that has kept him out of action since April 2.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Sunday's episode of Inside the NBA that Dončić will remain out to start the Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers are reportedly evaluating him on "a week-to-week basis," but one source told Charania that "it's still a slow path" on his recovery.

Charania added that Dončić is "doing more and more on the court," but he has yet to begin full-contact workouts or running at full speed.

Dončić was injured in the third quarter of a 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. He was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, leaving his status for the playoffs up in the air.

The Lakers were able to advance to the Western Conference semifinals by defeating the Houston Rockets in six games without Dončić. He wasn't expected to be ready for the start of the second round.

This was the second hamstring injury of the season for Dončić. He suffered a less-severe one in February that caused him to miss just four games.

In addition to Dončić's absence against the Rockets, the Lakers also played the first four games of that series without Austin Reaves due to an oblique injury.

Reaves' return in Game 5 helped alleviate some of the pressure on LeBron James and gave the Lakers some much-needed help going into their second-round series against an Oklahoma City team that dominated them in the regular season.

Dončić led the NBA in scoring during the regular season with 33.5 points per game. James and Reaves will continue to run the offense in his absence. The Lakers will face the Thunder for Game 1 on Tuesday night.