Lakers Star Luka Dončić Seeks Overseas Treatment for Hamstring Injury

Dončić aims to expedite recovery and return in time for playoffs.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping images of a basketball player in motion, representing the Lakers' challenges without their leading scorer Luka Dončić.With their star player sidelined, the Lakers face a critical juncture in their playoff push, requiring a fractured, multi-dimensional approach to overcome adversity.Denver Today

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić will travel to Europe to seek specialized medical treatment for his Grade 2 left hamstring strain, his agent confirmed. The move is an aggressive attempt to shorten his recovery timeline and potentially return in time for the NBA playoffs, which begin on April 18.

Why it matters

Dončić has been the driving force behind the Lakers' season, leading the league in scoring. His absence due to injury could significantly impact the team's playoff seeding and chances, especially with guard Austin Reaves also sidelined for an extended period.

The details

Dončić initially suffered the hamstring injury during a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the injury worsening as the game progressed. An MRI confirmed the Grade 2 strain, which typically requires around a month of recovery time, putting his availability for the playoffs in doubt. In an effort to expedite his return, Dončić and his agent have decided to pursue specialized treatment in Europe, though the exact location and plan have not been disclosed.

  • Dončić suffered the initial hamstring injury on April 5.
  • An MRI the following day confirmed the Grade 2 strain diagnosis.
  • The Lakers have ruled Dončić out for the remainder of the regular season.
  • The NBA playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 18.

The players

Luka Dončić

A star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who is currently sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

Bill Duffy

Luka Dončić's agent, who confirmed the player's plans to seek specialized medical treatment in Europe.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' second-leading scorer, who is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an oblique strain.

LeBron James

The veteran Lakers star who will have to shoulder a heavier offensive load in the absence of Dončić and Reaves.

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What they’re saying

“After consultation with Lakers doctors and his own medical team, Luka Doncic will seek specialized medical treatment in Europe on his Grade 2 left hamstring in an attempt to expedite his return to play.”

— Bill Duffy, Agent

What’s next

The Lakers will monitor Dončić's progress and recovery during his treatment in Europe, with the hope that he can return in time for the start of the playoffs on April 18.

The takeaway

Dončić's injury and decision to seek specialized treatment overseas highlights the high stakes for the Lakers as they aim to secure a favorable playoff position and make a deep postseason run. The team's offense will be severely tested in his absence, putting added pressure on LeBron James and the remaining roster.