Luka Doncic’s Status Looms Large as Lakers Face Potential Next-Round Challenge vs. Thunder

Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)

Luka Doncic’s Status Looms Large as Lakers Face Potential Next-Round Challenge vs. Thunder

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 2:05 AM ET

It looks like Luka Doncic’s specialized treatment in Spain hasn’t produced the outcome that he and LA had hoped for.

With the Los Angeles Lakers on the verge of winning their series against the Houston Rockets, the question in everybody’s mind right now is: Will Luka be available in the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder? A grade 2 hamstring injury is no joke, but earlier reports suggest he’ll be available in round two.

However, a new report about Luka Doncic’s overall status in this year’s playoffs might not be so good after all.

“It is a slow path on the recovery front for Luka. The expectation is if the Lakers are able to beat Houston and advance, Luka Doncic will be out for the next series. There’s still no timetable for him as of right now. He’s starting to do more court movement, as JJ Redick said the other day, but he is not at the point where he’s progressing in his own court work-outs as far as one-on-ones and truly pushing it on a movement front,” per Shams Charania.

"It is a slow-path on the recovery front for Luka. The expectation is if the Lakers are able to beat Houston and advance Luka Dončić will be out for the next series. There's still no time table for him as of right now. He's starting to do more court movement as JJ Redick said the… pic.twitter.com/ayA0zuKreU
— Luka Updates (@LukaUpdates) April 28, 2026

No Luka against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Thunder squad? LA will have no chance in that presumed series. They have bigger problems to attend to, like closing out the suddenly hot Rockets team in game five sans Kevin Durant. However, they received a major boost with a positive update on Austin Reaves’ injury.

Mixed Reports About Luka Doncic’s Return Hurt LA

Luka went to Spain to hasten his recovery from a grade two hamstring injury. Initial reports suggest that, instead of missing six weeks, his overseas treatment will have him ready in 4 to 5 weeks. However, with Charania’s new bombshell mentioned above, Doncic might not even suit up in this year’s playoffs.

Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)

An independent doctor on X even said on April 14 that Luka Doncic might be ready to play sooner than expected . But sadly, none of that matters now. But hey, at least they’ll have Austin Reaves coming back earlier as expected.

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

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