When Will Luka Doncic Return? Latest Update on Lakers Star’s Injury
The Los Angeles Lakers are still without their leading scorer Luka Doncic as they fight to stay alive in the 2026 NBA Playoffs.Doncic has been sidelined since suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on April 2, 2026, near the end of the regular season. He has missed the entire first-round series against the Houston Rockets so far.
Latest Injury Update
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers should not expect Doncic back immediately, even if they advance past the Rockets.
The Lakers face elimination in Game 6 against Houston on Friday, May 1.
If Los Angeles wins and advances to the second round against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Luka Doncic is expected to miss the start of that series.
His recovery is described as “a slow path.” He has begun doing more on-court work, but he is still not progressing to full scrimmages or intense workouts.
There is currently no clear timeline for his return.
Current Situation
The Rockets forced a Game 6 after beating the Lakers 99-93 in Game 5 on April 29. Austin Reaves returned in that game and scored 22 points, but the Lakers were unable to overcome the absence of Doncic.Doncic’s return remains uncertain, and the Lakers must find a way to advance without their star player for at least the beginning of the next round.
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