Lakers Star Luka Dončić Seeks Overseas Treatment for Hamstring Injury

Dončić will travel to Europe in hopes of expediting recovery for the playoffs.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:50pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball player driving to the hoop, with their face and jersey dissolving into a blur of brushstrokes.Luka Dončić's injury leaves the Lakers' playoff hopes in flux, as they scramble to find offensive firepower without their star player.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 injury has sidelined Dončić for the remainder of the regular season, putting his availability for the playoffs in serious doubt. The Lakers are also dealing with the loss of guard Austin Reaves, who is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an oblique strain.

Why it matters

Dončić's injury is a major blow to the Lakers' playoff hopes, as he has been the team's driving force this season, leading the league in scoring. With Dončić and Reaves out, the offensive burden will fall heavily on LeBron James, leaving the Lakers vulnerable against potential first-round opponents.

The details

Dončić initially tweaked his hamstring early in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the injury worsened as the game progressed, leading to him collapsing in visible pain in the third quarter. An MRI the following day confirmed a Grade 2 strain, which typically requires around a month of recovery time. Dončić's agent, Bill Duffy, said the decision to seek treatment in Europe is aimed at expediting his return in time for the playoffs, though the exact location and treatment plan have not been disclosed.

  • On April 5, Dončić suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain during a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • The Lakers have ruled Dončić out for the remainder of the regular season, which ends on April 16.
  • The NBA playoffs begin on April 18.

The players

Luka Dončić

A star player for the Los Angeles Lakers who is leading the league in scoring this season, averaging 33.5 points per game.

Bill Duffy

Luka Dončić's agent, who confirmed the decision for Dončić to seek specialized 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 Lakers' veteran leader, who will need to shoulder a heavier offensive load with Dončić and Reaves sidelined.

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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 during his treatment in Europe and hope to have him back in time for the playoffs. The team's playoff seeding and potential first-round matchup remain uncertain with just a few games left in the regular season.

The takeaway

Luka Dončić's injury is a major setback for the Lakers, who are already dealing with the loss of Austin Reaves. The team's playoff hopes now rest heavily on LeBron James' shoulders, as they look to navigate the postseason without their two leading scorers.