The Lakers were one of the hottest teams in the NBA down the stretch of the regular season, with Luka Dončić leading the way for the Purple and Gold. Dončić was playing at an MVP-level throughout March as LA posted a 15-2 record in the month. On April 2, however, Dončić suffered a left hamstring strain and has not played since. Below, we will deliver an injury update and the latest news on when Dončić will play again.
When will Luka Dončić return to the Lakers lineup?
The Lakers were able to take Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinals series against the Rockets without the services of Doncic. LA will attempt a repeat performance without the Slovenian superstar on Tuesday in Game 2.
Dončić has not been ruled out as far as returning later in this series against the Rockets, however. If the series goes six or seven games, there is a decent chance that Dončić would give it a go.
In a perfect world for the Lakers, they would dispose of the Rockets in four or five games, and save Dončić’s return for the start of the second round.
Dončić traveled to Spain earlier this month to receive stem cell and platelet-rich plasma injections to expedite his rehabilitation.
Recovery from a Grade 2 hamstring strain typically takes around 35 days. Dončić has been out 18 days thus far.
A potential Game 6 of the Rockets-Lakers series would take place on Friday, May 1. A potential Game 7 would take place on Sunday, May 3.
If Dončić were to return in Game 6 it would be 29 days from when the injury took place.
If Dončić were to return in Game 7, it would be 31 days from when the injury took place.
If the Lakers make it to the conference semifinals, that series would likely start on Tuesday, May 5.
Here is a look at dates in which Dončić could potentially return.
- Friday, May 1: Lakers at Rockets
- Sunday, May 3: Rockets at Lakers
- Tuesday, May 5: Lakers vs. TBA
Luka Dončić Odds
Dončić was in the NBA MVP hunt before going down with the hamstring injury. On April 1, a day before the injury, Dončić was +1500 to win the league’s most prestigious individual prize. Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-350) and Victor Wembanyama (+250) had better odds.
The 27-year-old Dončić was averaging a league-leading 33.5 points per game. He was also averaging 8.3 assists per game, which was third in the league.
Dončić is currently +15000 to win NBA Finals MVP at Fanatics Sportsbook. There are 20 players above Dončić on the odds board, which reflects the uncertainty surrounding his injury, and also the Lakers’ status as a fringe title contender.
Lakers Odds
The Lakers are currently +12000 to win the NBA title. The Thunder, Celtics, Spurs, Nuggets, Cavs, Pistons, Knicks, and Rockets all have better odds.
LA is +5000 to win the Western Conference.
Despite taking Game 1, the Lakers remain underdogs in their series against the Rockets. Houston is currently -230 at Fanatics Sportsbook to win the series.
