Luka Doncic to Undergo Specialized Hamstring Treatment in Europe

Lakers star hopes to return faster from Grade 2 strain ahead of playoffs

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:48am

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Luka Doncic will travel to Europe to receive specialized treatment on his Grade 2 hamstring strain, consulting with Lakers team doctors in hopes of a more rapid recovery timeline. The typical recovery for this injury is over a month, but the playoffs start in less than two weeks, leaving Doncic's availability in doubt.

Why it matters

Doncic's injury is a major blow to the Lakers' playoff hopes, as he and teammate Austin Reaves will both miss significant time. Without their two leading scorers, the Lakers will be heavy underdogs in the first round against quality opponents like the Rockets or Timberwolves.

The details

Doncic suffered the hamstring strain against the Thunder on Thursday. The Lakers announced he will miss the remainder of the regular season, but the bigger concern is the playoffs, which start in less than two weeks. The average recovery time for a Grade 2 hamstring strain is over a month, which would likely sideline Doncic for the entire first-round series.

  • Doncic suffered the injury on Thursday, April 6.
  • The NBA playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.

The players

Luka Doncic

All-NBA forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

Austin Reaves

Lakers guard who will also miss 4-6 weeks with an oblique strain, further depleting the team's roster.

LeBron James

Lakers superstar who will have to shoulder an even bigger offensive load with Doncic and Reaves sidelined.

Cooper Flagg

Rookie who scored 45 points against the Lakers in their recent loss to the Mavericks.

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What they’re saying

“The usual amount of time a player is out with a Grade 2 hamstring strain is more than a month, the playoffs start in two weeks.”

— Jeff Stotts, Injury expert at In Street Clothes

What’s next

Doncic will travel to Europe to receive specialized treatment on his hamstring in hopes of returning faster than the typical recovery timeline for a Grade 2 strain. The Lakers will also monitor the progress of Austin Reaves' oblique injury.

The takeaway

Doncic's injury is a major setback for the Lakers' playoff aspirations, as they will be severely undermanned without their two leading scorers. The team's depth and LeBron James' heroics will be tested as they try to advance in the postseason.