Luka Doncic Travels to Spain for Accelerated Injury Treatment

NBA star seeks advanced regenerative therapies to speed recovery from hamstring strain

Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:11am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player's body fractured into geometric shapes and planes, conveying the complexity of injury recovery through an abstract, multi-perspective visual style.Doncic's decision to seek specialized treatment abroad reflects the NBA's global reach and players' autonomy in managing their health.Los Angeles Today

Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic has traveled to Spain to undergo specialized medical treatments aimed at accelerating his recovery from a Grade 2 hamstring strain. The procedures, which are less restricted in Europe, involve a combination of stem cell injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and other advanced regenerative techniques that could potentially cut his 4-6 week timeline in half.

Why it matters

Doncic's injury recovery is crucial for the Mavericks' playoff hopes, as they currently sit third in the Western Conference. The team is also dealing with the absence of Austin Reaves, who is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with his own injury. Doncic's decision to seek treatment abroad highlights the flexibility NBA players have in managing their medical care, as long as no banned substances are involved.

The details

According to Dr. Evan Jeffries, the procedures Doncic is likely undergoing in Spain involve a combination of stem cell treatments, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and other advanced regenerative therapies that are more accessible in Europe than in the United States due to less restrictive regulations. These treatments, including high-power laser therapy (HPLT), red-light therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), SoftWave therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and cupping, could potentially cut Doncic's recovery timeline in half.

  • Doncic suffered the Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 1, 2026.
  • He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with the injury.
  • Doncic traveled to Spain on April 5, 2026 to undergo the specialized treatment.

The players

Luka Doncic

The superstar point guard for the Dallas Mavericks, who is currently sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

Austin Reaves

A Los Angeles Lakers player who is also expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an injury.

Kobe Bryant

A former Los Angeles Lakers superstar who traveled to Germany to treat knee and Achilles issues.

LeBron James

A Los Angeles Lakers superstar who sought medical consultation abroad in 2023 when dealing with a foot injury.

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What they’re saying

“Stem cells can be more manipulated to increase their potency in Spain. Same with PRP. Theoretically, he could cut his timeline in half.”

— Dr. Evan Jeffries, Sports Medicine Specialist

What’s next

The Lakers currently sit third in the Western Conference with a 50-28 record. Doncic's recovery timeline will be closely watched as the Mavericks aim to make a deep playoff run.

The takeaway

Doncic's decision to seek advanced regenerative treatments in Spain highlights the flexibility NBA players have in managing their medical care, as well as the benefits of accessing less restricted therapies abroad. This case underscores the importance of injury recovery for top players and teams as they navigate the high-stakes NBA playoffs.