While there’s no concrete news yet about Luka Doncic’s return, there are some positive signs as the Lakers head to Houston.
On Thursday, after a practice session, Doncic was spotted engaging in light shooting drills alongside assistant coach Greg St. Jean and head video coordinator Michael Wexler before the team left Southern California for games 3 and 4 of their playoff series against the Rockets.
During the drills, Doncic cautiously maneuvered through a couple of right-handed exercises, then successfully made a jump shot inside the free-throw line. He repeated this routine three times, later switching to the left side.
Near the end of the workout, he also made a stationary three-pointer.
Before Tuesday’s Game 2 victory over the Rockets, Coach JJ Redick mentioned that he had no updates regarding Doncic or fellow injured player Austin Reaves, but he expressed hope that Doncic would begin practicing soon.
Reaves has been observed working on the court recently.
Both Doncic (suffering from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Reaves (with a Grade 2 left oblique strain) sustained injuries that sidelined them at the end of the regular season on April 2.
The Lakers currently lead the playoff series against the Rockets, 2-0.
Since the NBA’s playoff format changed in 1984 to accommodate 16 teams, teams that take a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven series with a 2-2-1-1-1 home/away schedule have a remarkable winning percentage of 91.4% (245-23).
“LeBron [James] and J.J. also have to stay sharp,” noted Deandre Ayton. “This is the playoffs—anything can happen. We must stay focused and maintain our routine as we head to Houston.”
