Austin Konenski
Luka Dončić left the Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder game with an injury in the third quarter on Thursday night. Dončić, who has been in the NBA MVP talks after a hot March, pulled up after a non-contact injury while the Lakers were down 32 points to the Thunder. So, what is the latest on the Lakers superstar?
Dončić was ruled out for the remainder of the Lakers-Thunder game with a left hamstring injury, the team announced. With the 2026 NBA Playoffs starting on Saturday, April 18, this is a very concerning development for Los Angeles. As of now, there are no updates on the severity of the injury.
If Dončić has a Grade 1 hamstring strain, the timeline could fall around one to two weeks, which could allow him to return before the playoffs. If it is a Grade 2 or worse, the 27-year-old guard would likely miss the start of the playoffs and potentially longer.
What Luka Dončić’s injury means for the Los Angeles Lakers
This is the worst-case scenario for the Lakers with two weeks until the NBA playoffs. Dončić has been the leader of Los Angeles’ offense, scoring 40.8 points over the last 10 games he has played. Without the star guard, the Lakers rely more on LeBron James and Austin Reaves to power through their opponents.
If Dončić misses time, James will have to take on more offensive responsibility. In games without Dončić, the Lakers have a 7-6 record compared to the 43-21 record when he does play. As of April 2, the Lakers sit third in the Western Conference but the red-hot Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets are coming.
There is another layer to Dončić’s injury. If the Los Angeles guard is unable to return during the regular-season, he will fall one game shy of award eligibility. Dončić has played in 64 games and must reach 65 games to be eligible for any awards or All-NBA teams during the 2025-26 season.
Dončić will receive an MRI on his injured left hamstring on Friday, as reported by ESEPN’s Dave McMenamin. Without him, Los Angeles might lack the offensive firepower to make a deep run in the NBA playoffs. Hopefully, Dončić will be able to return before then.
After all, Dončić is the heart and soul of the Lakers’ offense.
Read More: Lakers’ LeBron James Calls Luka Dončić a ‘Generational Player’
