The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Houston Rockets in the first round of the NBA playoffs beginning Saturday, and the expectation at this point is that they will be without both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who suffered injuries in the same game earlier this month.
Doncic, in an effort to expedite recovery from a Grade 2 hamstring strain, traveled to Europe where he underwent multiple injection treatments, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, who reported the update Monday during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Charania also noted that Doncic is expected to return to the United States on Tuesday, where he will be reevaluated. That assessment could provide a clearer timeline for his return, whether that comes at some point during the first round or only if L.A. advances to the second round — a scenario that would place significant pressure on 41-year-old LeBron James.
“Luka Doncic spent the last week in Spain. From my understanding, he underwent multiple injection treatments in the hamstring to promote healing and potentially expedite his return. My understanding is he will be back in the States on Tuesday and they’re going to reevaluate him,” Charania said
More news: Charles Barkley Slams ‘Disrespectful’ NBA Players Sitting Before Playoffs
More news: Doc Rivers Makes Bucks Coaching Decision Amid Giannis Trade Rumors
Luka Doncic’s importance is obviously immense. He not only led the team in scoring, but also led the NBA in points per game with an average of 33.5. He served as the primary ball-handler, and together with Austin Reaves, the duo combined for over 60 points per game.
Without them, the task becomes significantly more difficult against a Houston Rockets roster that features talent across the board. While LeBron James will likely continue to produce at a high level statistically, the Lakers will need major contributions from Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and several others who will need to step into larger offensive roles.
If the Lakers hope to extend the series to a point where Doncic can return fully healthy, those supporting pieces will need to elevate their production significantly.
More news: Crazy Luke Doncic Stat Exposes Serious Flaw in NBA’s 65-Game Rule