NBA: Lakers G Luka Doncic frustrated and unsure of return

Luka Doncic spoke publicly on Wednesday about the hamstring injury that has kept him out since early April, offering an update on his recovery timeline and frustration over being sidelined during a critical playoff run.

Speaking at the team hotel in Oklahoma City, Doncic said he remains uncertain about when he will be able to return to action for the Los Angeles Lakers, who fell 108-90 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series on Tuesday night.

“It’s very frustrating,” Doncic said. “I don’t think people understand how frustrating it is. All I want to do is play basketball, especially this time. It’s the best time to play basketball.”

He added that watching his team compete without him has been difficult, while also expressing pride in their performance despite his absence.

“It’s very frustrating seeing what my team is doing. I’m very proud of them. It’s been very tough just to sit and watch them play,” he said.

Doncic suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on April 2 in Oklahoma City, an injury that has already forced him to miss the final stretch of the regular season as well as the Lakers’ six-game first-round playoff series win over the Houston Rockets.

According to Doncic, medical staff initially projected an eight-week recovery timeline following his MRI.

“The day I did the MRI on the hamstring, the doctor told me eight weeks at the beginning,” he said. “I’m doing everything I can in the process, and I think we’re on a good way.”

The six-time All-Star has averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds across 64 games this season, starting all of them, and remains one of the team’s key leaders.

While he has begun light running, Doncic confirmed he has not yet participated in any contact drills. His status for the remainder of the series, including Game 3 scheduled for Saturday in Los Angeles, remains uncertain.

“I’m just doing everything I can,” he said. “Every day, I’m doing stuff I’m supposed to do. Recovery, now I’m working. Just going day by day, and I feel better every day.”

Doncic also revealed that his recovery has included precautionary measures such as platelet-rich plasma therapy in Spain, along with other rehabilitation treatments.

“It’s a tough one for me because I came back from injuries before too soon, and it wasn’t the best result,” he said. “You have to be very careful, and I’m doing everything to come back. All the recovery, the chamber, cold tub, everything I can.”

The Lakers continue to evaluate his progress on a day-to-day basis as they look to adjust without their star guard in a tightly contested playoff series. -Field Level Media/Reuters