Lakers Coach Shares Honest Luka Doncic Update After Phone Call

Doncic remains sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain but is staying positive about his recovery.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:22am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball player's jump shot broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette, conveying the fragmented nature of the Lakers' season without their star player.Luka Doncic's hamstring injury casts a shadow over the Lakers' playoff push, but the team remains hopeful for his return.Denver Today

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick recently spoke to star player Luka Doncic, who is currently recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. Redick shared that Doncic is in 'relatively good spirits' and is 'attacking his rehab' as he aims to return for the NBA playoffs, despite being ruled out for the remainder of the regular season.

Why it matters

Doncic's health is crucial to the Lakers' title hopes, as he has been the driving force for the team all season long. The Lakers are still chasing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, and they will need to win without Doncic in the final three regular-season games.

The details

Doncic suffered the hamstring injury during the final stretch of the regular season and was recently diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain, which will sideline him for the rest of the regular season. In order to expedite his recovery, Doncic flew to Spain to seek specialized treatment. Despite the setback, Doncic remains positive and is working hard on his rehabilitation, according to Redick.

  • Doncic was recently diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
  • Doncic will miss the remainder of the regular season due to the injury.
  • The Lakers have three games remaining in the regular season, including a matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.

The players

Luka Doncic

A six-time NBA All-Star and the driving force for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, who is currently sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who recently spoke to Doncic on the phone and provided an update on the star player's recovery.

Golden State Warriors

The Lakers' upcoming opponent, as they chase the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with three games remaining in the regular season.

Denver Nuggets

The team currently holding the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, with the Lakers 1.5 games behind them heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

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What they’re saying

“Doncic is in 'relatively good spirits' and is 'attacking his rehab'.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers Head Coach

What’s next

The Lakers will need to win their final three regular-season games, including Thursday's matchup against the Warriors, to have a chance at securing the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Doncic's return for the playoffs remains a top priority for the team.

The takeaway

Luka Doncic's health is crucial to the Lakers' title hopes, and despite the setback of a Grade 2 hamstring strain, the star player is staying positive and working hard on his recovery. The Lakers will need to find a way to win without Doncic in the final stretch of the regular season, but they are optimistic he will be able to return for the playoffs.