NBA Playoffs Update: Doncic Out for Game 1

The news is now official.

Will Luka Doncic, the NBA’s top scorer, find himself starting the next round of playoffs on the bench? It’s not really a surprise, but the fact remains that the Lakers star will be absent for at least Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Thunder.

His exclusion was confirmed prior to the match held in Los Angeles.

When inquired about Doncic’s status, Lakers coach JJ Redick commented, “We don’t have any updates on Luka.”

It has been a month since Doncic sustained a Grade 2 hamstring injury during a game against the Thunder on April 2nd.

After seeking advanced treatment in Spain to expedite recovery, Doncic’s progress has been less than ideal. Currently, he can perform some controlled on-court activities like shooting and light movements, but running or engaging in more intense physical activity remains out of reach.

Teammate Austin Reeves noted on Sunday, “Obviously, we always want Luka to be out there. He’s one of the best players in the league, if not the best player. It’s a different challenge for us now. We’ll all need to adjust our play to fill the gap he leaves.”

Currently, sources suggest that Doncic is expected to miss at least the first two games of the semifinals against the Thunder, with his participation in Game 3 still uncertain. Given the physicality that Oklahoma City is known for, his return seems increasingly unlikely as the series progresses.