Luka Doncic to Sit Out Thunder Game With Left Hamstring Injury
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The Los Angeles Lakers ruled guard Luka Doncic out of Thursday night’s matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder after he aggravated a left hamstring injury at Paycom Center on Apr. 2, 2026.
Doncic appeared to tweak the hamstring early in the third quarter, immediately dropped to the floor in pain, then walked to the locker room without assistance. The club later confirmed he would not return. The 27-year-old had already missed four games earlier this season with the same issue.
Before exiting, Doncic logged 26 minutes and recorded 12 points, four rebounds and seven assists while shooting 3-for-10 and committing six turnovers. Oklahoma City pressured the Lakers backcourt throughout the night, forcing miscues and turning them into transition opportunities that helped the Thunder build a commanding first-half lead.
The Lakers now have two days off before hosting Doncic’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks. With only five regular-season games remaining and the playoffs approaching, the organization is expected to take a cautious approach to the star guard’s recovery. Any extended absence would shift additional ball-handling duties to LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
Recent Honors Highlight Strong March
Doncic’s setback interrupts one of the most productive stretches of his career. He was named Western Conference Player of the Month for March after guiding Los Angeles to a 15-2 record while averaging 37.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists and 2.3 steals. His 600-point month set a franchise record for March, surpassing Kobe Bryant, and made him the second player in NBA history—alongside Michael Jordan—to reach that plateau.
Source: LakersNation.com
