Luka Doncic Unlikely for Start of Potential Lakers–Thunder Series
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The Los Angeles Lakers do not expect Luka Doncic to be available when the Western Conference semifinals open, should the team advance past the Houston Rockets.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported on ESPN’s “Get Up” that the 27-year-old guard is “on a slow path” while recovering from a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring, an injury sustained early this month. Doncic has resumed light on-court activity but has not yet been cleared for full scrimmages or contact drills, delaying any return to game action.
If Los Angeles defeats Houston and moves on to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, Doncic is expected to miss at least the opening game of that series, according to Charania. No specific timetable for his clearance has been set.
Meanwhile, fellow guard Austin Reaves, sidelined recently by injury, is trending toward a possible appearance in Wednesday night’s Game 5 against the Rockets.
Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the offensive challenges created by the absence of his two leading scorers. “It’s obviously very challenging without your two leading scorers to generate offense,” Redick told reporters. He added that the staff is reviewing ball security and shot-quality metrics, both of which have dipped below season averages during the stretch without Doncic and Reaves.
Los Angeles trails Houston 3–1 in the first-round matchup. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena.
Source: LakersNation.com
