Lakers' Luka Doncic suffers hamstring injury, return timeline uncertain

Doncic's latest hamstring issue could sideline the MVP candidate for the start of the playoffs

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Luka Doncic's spin move and hamstring injury, with sharp, overlapping planes in the Lakers' purple and gold colors representing the dynamic action and concern over his health.Doncic's hamstring injury could sideline the Lakers' star and MVP candidate for the start of the playoffs.Oklahoma City Today

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic suffered a hamstring injury during the team's April 2 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic had to leave the game and did not return. The Lakers have already clinched a playoff spot, but Doncic's injury could impact his availability for the start of the postseason and his chances of winning the MVP award.

Why it matters

Doncic has been playing at an MVP level this season, but this latest hamstring injury could jeopardize his chances of winning the award due to the NBA's new eligibility rules. Additionally, the Lakers will need Doncic healthy for their playoff run, so the severity of this injury is crucial.

The details

Doncic was dribbling toward the lane when he appeared to try a spin move and instantly lost control of the ball. He started hopping toward the baseline in pain and had to be helped off the court. The Lakers later announced that Doncic had suffered a hamstring injury and would not return to the game.

  • Doncic suffered the injury during the Lakers' April 2 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • The Lakers have 5 regular-season games remaining after the injury.

The players

Luka Doncic

The Los Angeles Lakers' star player who is in the running for the NBA MVP award this season.

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers who discussed Doncic's injury after the game.

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What they’re saying

“We checked him out, he got worked on, he was cleared...we're not going to put a player at risk.”

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

What’s next

Doncic will undergo an MRI on his hamstring to determine the severity of the injury. Depending on the results, he could be sidelined for 1-2 weeks with a minor strain or 3-6 weeks with a more serious strain. The Lakers will have to decide whether to rest Doncic for the remainder of the regular season or try to get him back on the court before the playoffs begin.

The takeaway

This latest hamstring injury for Luka Doncic is a significant concern for the Lakers as they prepare for the playoffs. The team will have to balance Doncic's health and availability with his chances of winning the MVP award, which could be impacted by the NBA's new eligibility rules.