Lakers' Luka Doncic reveals timeline for injury recovery

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Lakers' Luka Doncic reveals timeline for injury recovery

By Anne Erickson | Last updated May 6, 2026 4:36 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder played on Tuesday in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Without star guard Luka Doncic, the Lakers just couldn't overcome the Thunder, falling 108-90.

Following the game, the question on people's minds is, "When is Doncic coming back?"

While Doncic's return date after his left hamstring strain is uncertain, he did shed some light on the timeline, speaking with reporters on Wednesday.

According to a report from Benjamin Royer of the OC Register, Doncic revealed that doctors originally told him that his hamstring recovery would take eight weeks following his first MRI.

"Game 2 on Thursday would be five weeks since," Royer stated on X, adding that Doncic said he's doing "everything" he can to return from a "frustrating" injury.

Royer added: "In short, the NBA’s scoring champion, at 33.5 points per game, appears unlikely to return during the Lakers’ playoff run."

Story: Luka Doncic was told his hamstring recovery would be eight weeks after his first MRI.

Game 2 on Thursday would be five weeks since. The Slovenian star said he’s doing “everything” he can to return from a “frustrating’ injury.

More on @ocregister: https://t.co/BatGLv3w0S
— Benjamin Royer (@thebenroyer) May 6, 2026

Luka Doncic injury update: Los Angeles Lakers have an uphill battle without him

While the Lakers have the king in LeBron James, they certainly have an uphill battle without Doncic. The Thunder are huge favorites to win this series, with some projections even projecting a sweep.

Heading into Game 2 on Thursday, the Thunder are double-digit favorites to win, according to Sports Illustrated.

Doncic wants to be on the court, but he has to listen to his body. While it's frustrating for fans to watch the Lakers crumble, you can't rush recovery.

"I don't think people understand how frustrating it is," Doncic told reporters on Wednesday. "All I wanna do is play basketball, especially this time. It's the best time to play basketball. It's very frustrating seeing what my team is doing. I'm very proud of them. It's been very tough to just to sit and watch them play."

Lakers coach JJ Redick added of Doncic's injury timeline and return: "It's very simple. It's when he's ready to play, he should play. That comes with the athlete having confidence."

Game 2 between the Lakers and Thunder is on Thursday.

Anne Erickson

Anne Erickson is an award-winning news reporter covering the NFL, NBA, college sports and more for Yardbarker. Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and other sports, and her work has been published by Fox Sports, ESPN and Newsweek, among others. She has also interviewed a bevy of big names in sports and entertainment, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott

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