Lakers Coach JJ Redick Addresses Luka Doncic Development Before Game 2

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Lakers Coach JJ Redick Addresses Luka Doncic Development Before Game 2

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 20, 2026 8:37 PM ET

Luka Doncic sat out the Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 1 win over the Houston Rockets on Saturday. The 27-year-old is still recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the tail end of the regular season.

Doncic will not play in Game 2 on Tuesday. The Lakers have already officially ruled him out, alongside Austin Reaves, who is nursing an oblique injury. Doncic, however, was able to join practice on Monday as they prepare to take on the Rockets again in Game 2.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared an update on his star guard as Doncic draws closer to his highly anticipated return.

Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic (77).© David Reginek-Imagn Images

Doncic did not suit up in Game 1, but he cheered on his teammates on the bench. The six-time All-Star returned from Europe after getting specialized treatment to aid in his recovery. Doncic made sure that he was back for the series opener to support his teammates.

Doncic’s return to practice is also a welcome development for the squad.

“Oh, it's been nice. It's been really nice,” Redick said of Doncic’s presence in practice. “He definitely rebounded and passed in some shooting drills.

“I think having the group together two out of the last three days has been really nice.”

#Lakers head coach JJ Redick on having Luka Doncic back at practice and even though he wasn’t a full participant, he was able to participate in rebounding and passing drills on Monday. #lakeshow pic.twitter.com/a4ncICkItA
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) April 20, 2026

Doncic was not a full participant in practice on Tuesday. He will still need to clear a couple of major hurdles before doing so.

Nevertheless, there is still some level of optimism that he will return for the Lakers at some point in the NBA playoffs. For now, however, LeBron James and Co. will need to try to take down the Rockets without Doncic.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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