Luka Doncic Travels to Europe for Specialized Injury Treatment

Lakers star aims to speed recovery from Grade 2 hamstring strain through stem cell therapy and family reunion

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:07am

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic plans to travel to Europe to seek specialized medical treatment for a Grade 2 hamstring strain he suffered in a recent game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The treatment, which includes stem cell therapy, is expected to potentially cut his recovery time in half and allow him to return in time for the NBA playoffs.

Why it matters

Doncic's injury is a significant setback for the Lakers, who are hoping to make a deep playoff run. The team will need its star player healthy to have the best chance at a championship. Doncic's decision to seek treatment in Europe highlights the differences in medical regulations and availability of certain therapies between the U.S. and Europe.

The details

According to sports medicine experts, the stem cell treatment Doncic is seeking is more readily available and less regulated in Europe compared to the United States. This could allow for a more potent and effective therapy that could potentially speed up his recovery from the Grade 2 hamstring strain. In addition to the medical treatment, Doncic will also use the trip to Europe as an opportunity to reunite with his daughters, whom he has not seen in four months due to the NBA season.

  • Doncic suffered the Grade 2 hamstring strain in the Lakers' 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 6, 2026.
  • The average recovery time for a Grade 2 hamstring strain is around 35 days, or 14-15 games.

The players

Luka Doncic

A 27-year-old Slovenian point guard and shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Doncic is one of the NBA's top players, averaging a league-leading 33.5 points per game in March before suffering the hamstring injury.

Evan Jeffries

A sports medicine doctor who commented on the potential benefits of Doncic's planned stem cell treatment in Europe.

Jovan Buha

An LA-based NBA reporter who discussed Doncic's reasons for traveling to Europe, including the opportunity to see his daughters.

Jeff Stotts

A RotoWire analyst who provided details on the typical recovery timeline for a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

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What they’re saying

“If this cuts his healing time in half (4-6 weeks), theoretically, he could be back in 2-3 weeks in time for the 1st round of the playoffs.”

— Evan Jeffries, Sports Doctor

“I think this makes a lot of sense for several reasons. I mean, we've seen just from a Lakers perspective, Kobe and LeBron receiving similar treatment, and both guys returning earlier than expected, and both guys having pretty good results coming back from Europe.”

— Jovan Buha, NBA Reporter

“I think there's also a personal element to this: Luka's not seen his daughters in four months, and I think this would be a great opportunity for him to see them potentially as he's rehabbing.”

— Jovan Buha, NBA Reporter

What’s next

The Lakers and Doncic's team will need to carefully monitor his recovery process and ensure he does not suffer any setbacks upon returning from Europe. The team's medical staff will work closely with Doncic to determine if he is ready to play in time for the start of the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

Doncic's decision to seek specialized treatment in Europe highlights the differences in medical regulations and availability of certain therapies between the U.S. and Europe. While the treatment may help speed up his recovery, the Lakers will need to balance the potential benefits with the risks of a premature return to play in order to have their star player healthy for a deep playoff run.