Dave Litman
Sure, LeBron James has turned back the clock in the first two games of the LA Lakers’ opening round series with the Houston Rockets. But the Lakers’ playoff destiny still rests on whether Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves can return and make an impact.
Doncic was ruled out for the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs with a Grade 2 strained hamstring back on April 2nd. It’s an injury that usually takes four to six weeks to heal. We’re three weeks out at this point. However, great news for the Lakers on Thursday. Doncic was seen on the practice floor going through some light shooting drills.
This was a promising sign ahead of the Lakers taking off for Texas to resume their series. Games 3 and 4 take place in Houston this weekend.
Doncic does court work for first time since strained hamstring
A report from Khobi Price in the New York Post had Doncic working out with assistant coach Greg St. Jean and head video coordinator Michael Wexler after the Lakers’ main team practice.
The superstar “gingerly” performed some shooting drills, first from inside the paint, then some standstill threes from beyond the arc.
Surprising development for Austin Reaves
Doncic, of course, isn’t the only superstar out of the Lakers’ lineup. Reaves was also ruled out in the same April 2nd game with a Grade 2 left oblique strain. His return was also expected to be in the four to six week range. But in a surprising news drop late Thursday afternoon, he has been upgraded to ‘Questionable’ for Friday’s Game 3.
Without the two stars, the 40-year-old James has given Father Time (and the Rockets) a little lesson over the first two games of the series. He poured in 28 points in Game 2, after a 19 point, 13 assist, 8 rebound performance in Game 1. The Lakers lead the series 2-0 going to Houston.
