Lakers Star Luka Doncic Progressing From Hamstring Strain, No Return Date Set
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Los Angeles — Lakers guard Luka Doncic said Wednesday he is ramping up his rehabilitation from a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring but still does not have a target for his return to game action.
Speaking to reporters, Doncic explained that he has resumed running drills yet has not been cleared for any contact work, the final hurdle before he can rejoin the lineup. The injury, suffered on April 2, is the second time this season he has hurt the same hamstring.
Initial estimates suggested a four-to-six-week absence, but Doncic noted that team doctors have advised him to plan for roughly eight weeks of recovery. In an effort to speed the process, he traveled to Spain for four platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections administered over several days.
“This is different from any injury I’ve had,” he said, adding that the setback has been “very frustrating” because “all I want to do is play basketball, especially right now.”
Before the strain, the 25-year-old was producing MVP-caliber numbers, leading the NBA with 33.5 points per game and averaging 8.3 assists. His performance helped Los Angeles go 16-2 in March and surge up the Western Conference standings.
The Lakers have struggled offensively in his absence, dropping Game 1 of their second-round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. LeBron James acknowledged the challenge, saying it is “tough” to face a title contender without the team’s primary scorer and playmaker.
Doncic reiterated he is working daily to accelerate his comeback, but the organization will not set a timetable until he completes contact practices and is cleared by medical staff.
Source: Hoops Wire
