Luka Doncic Continues On-Court Work as Lakers Target Game 5 Closeout
luka-doncic-progressing-injury-update-lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers report steady improvement for guard Luka Doncic, who remains sidelined with a left hamstring strain during the first-round series against the Houston Rockets.
Head coach JJ Redick said before Game 4 in Houston that Doncic has advanced from stationary drills to limited movement on the court. “He was able to move a little bit today,” Redick noted, adding that the club still has no timetable for the 27-year-old’s return.
The Lakers have also been without Austin Reaves (left oblique strain). Reaves was listed as questionable for Games 3 and 4 but did not play, suggesting he is closer to clearance than Doncic.
Los Angeles opened the best-of-seven matchup with a 3-0 lead before dropping Game 4. A victory in Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena would send the Lakers to the Western Conference semifinals—likely against the Oklahoma City Thunder—and provide several off-days that could allow Doncic to join team practices.
Redick indicated Reaves could be available for the potential clincher, while Doncic’s participation will depend on continued progress during the upcoming break in the schedule.
Redick Criticizes MVP Voting
Doncic’s injury ended what had been a late push in the Most Valuable Player race. Although he earned one Western Conference Player of the Month award, he was not named an MVP finalist. “I think he deserved to be there,” Redick said, attributing the omission to “media momentum” and the perception that the Lakers underperformed early in the season.
Doncic averaged career-best numbers before the injury, but Los Angeles now focuses on closing out Houston without rushing its leading scorer back to the lineup.
Source: LakersNation.com
