Shams Charania Shares Concerning Update on Luka Doncic as Recovery Progress Remains Slow

Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)

Shams Charania Shares Concerning Update on Luka Doncic as Recovery Progress Remains Slow

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated May 4, 2026 1:26 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers will play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round. However, without Luka Doncic, the odds for them to advance in the Western Conference Finals are looking bleak.

Sidelined by a grade 2 hamstring strain, there were hopes that Doncic could suit up at the tail end of their first-round series against the Rockets. He was even projected to return earlier than Austin Reaves. Well, that did not happen. When will he return, though? According to a new report from Shams Charania, Luka Doncic hasn’t even begun scrimmages in practice.

“I’m told Luka will be out to start the series…. One source told me it’s still a slow path on Doncic’s recovery. He’s doing more on the court, but still not doing full-contact workouts,” according to Charania.

Shams on Luka injury:

"I'm told Luka will be out to start the series…. One source told me it's still a slow path on Doncic's recovery. He's doing more on the court but still not doing full contact workouts" pic.twitter.com/HWmiYpWiIu
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 3, 2026

That’s a bummer. This was supposed to be a Luka versus SGA series – two of the top guards in the NBA today. There is a bit of a rivalry between the two, coming from the same draft class and all. If the Lakers are overly cautious about giving their green light to their superstar, this series may be over quickly.

Luka Doncic Isn’t Even Running Yet

Taking a quick look at most betting sites, most of them only gave the Lakers a 9% chance of triumphing over the Thunder. While that could change if Doncic comes back, OKC is still the overwhelming favorite to come out in this second-round battle. And it looks to stay that way, too, especially with reports coming in that Luka hasn’t even begun running yet.

Luka Doncic (Image Credits: Imagn)

“He’s not close… he’s not running yet,” John Ireland said, LA’s radio play-by-play announcer.

Can the duo of LeBron James and Austin Reaves steal one or two games in Oklahoma until Doncic comes back? It’s going to be difficult, but still totally doable. LA’s been playing inspired basketball as of late. However, despite their success in the first round, they do need Luka Doncic to conquer OKC.

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

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