Luka Doncic exits Lakers’ 139-96 loss in OKC with left hamstring strain; MRI set for Friday
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OKLAHOMA CITY — Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic left Thursday night’s 139-96 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder after straining his left hamstring and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
A source familiar with the situation said Doncic will undergo an MRI on Friday to determine the severity of the injury.
The strain first appeared late in the second quarter. Doncic aggravated the hamstring midway through the third when he planted his left leg while dribbling against Jalen Williams. He doubled over in pain and lay on the baseline before walking gingerly to the locker room with 7:39 remaining in the period. The Lakers trailed 90-58 at the time.
Thursday marked the second time this season the 27-year-old has dealt with a left hamstring issue; he missed four games in February and made only a brief All-Star Game appearance while rehabbing.
Doncic exited with 12 points on 3-for-10 shooting (1-for-7 from deep), four rebounds, seven assists and six turnovers in 26 minutes. Los Angeles was outscored by 25 while he was on the floor.
The night contrasted sharply with Doncic’s standout March, when the Lakers went 15-2 and he earned Western Conference Player of the Month honors by averaging 37.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 2.3 steals.
Thursday’s game carried potential MVP implications as voters weigh Doncic against reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 28 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one turnover in three quarters for Oklahoma City. Doncic has now played 64 games; league rules require 65 to qualify for season awards, and the Lakers have five games left.
The lopsided defeat also raised questions about Los Angeles’ playoff readiness as the postseason approaches.
Source: ESPN
