Luka Doncic Travels to Spain for Advanced Hamstring Injury Treatment

The Lakers star is seeking regenerative therapies not available in the U.S. to accelerate his recovery timeline.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:53am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the explosive movements and injuries of a basketball player, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the dynamic nature of the sport.Doncic's aggressive pursuit of advanced regenerative treatments in Spain reflects the growing divide between medical innovation and regulation across the Atlantic.Los Angeles Today

Luka Doncic has traveled to Spain to undergo advanced treatment for a Grade 2 hamstring strain he suffered in a recent game against the Thunder. The Lakers are in trouble without their star player, who was having an MVP-caliber season. Doncic is seeking regenerative therapies like stem cell and platelet-rich plasma injections that are more accessible in Europe, which could potentially cut his recovery timeline in half compared to standard U.S. treatments.

Why it matters

Doncic's injury is a major blow to the Lakers' playoff hopes, as they are fighting to stay afloat without him and fellow injured starter Austin Reaves. The team needs Doncic back as soon as possible, which is why he is pursuing these cutting-edge treatments in Spain that aren't as readily available in the U.S. due to regulatory restrictions. If the treatments work, Doncic could return in time to help the Lakers make a deep playoff run, but if not, their season may end in the first round.

The details

After an MRI revealed a Grade 2 hamstring strain, Doncic was diagnosed with a 4-6 week recovery timeline. Rather than rehabbing at home or the Lakers' facility, he has traveled to Spain to undergo specialized regenerative treatments not as accessible in the U.S. These include stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma injections, high-powered laser therapy, red-light therapy, and other innovative techniques that can theoretically accelerate the healing process. Doncic is chasing any advantage to get back on the court as soon as possible to help the Lakers in the playoffs.

  • On April 2, Doncic suffered the hamstring injury during a game against the Thunder.
  • The next day, an MRI revealed a Grade 2 strain with a 4-6 week recovery timeline.
  • Doncic traveled to Spain shortly after the diagnosis to begin advanced treatment.

The players

Luka Doncic

The star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

J.J. Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who discussed Doncic and Reaves' injuries and the team's goal of extending the season so they can return.

Dr. Evan Jeffries

A certified physical therapist and co-host of 'The Hoops Rehab Show' who provided expert analysis on the advanced regenerative treatments Doncic is seeking in Spain.

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What they’re saying

“It's our job to extend the season so both those guys can get back.”

— J.J. Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

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

— Dr. Evan Jeffries, Certified Physical Therapist and Co-Host of 'The Hoops Rehab Show'

What’s next

The Lakers will need to win their first-round playoff series against Minnesota or Houston without Doncic and Reaves in order for the star players to potentially return later in the postseason. The team's goal is to extend the season long enough for Doncic to recover and rejoin the lineup.

The takeaway

Doncic's decision to seek advanced regenerative treatments in Spain highlights the growing divide between medical innovation and regulation in the U.S. versus Europe. While the Lakers star is taking an aggressive approach to accelerate his recovery, the team's playoff fate may ultimately hinge on whether these cutting-edge therapies can get him back on the court in time to make a difference.