Lakers' Luka Dončić set to return from Spain ahead of playoffs

The All-Star guard has been rehabbing a hamstring injury in his home country.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:01pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form that convey the dynamic energy of the sport.An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the dynamic energy and athleticism of an NBA player, hinting at the high stakes of the upcoming playoff series.Oklahoma City Today

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić will return from Spain on Friday, according to ESPN. Dončić suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder and traveled to Spain to seek specialized treatment, aiming to recover in time for the start of the NBA playoffs.

Why it matters

Dončić's return is crucial for the Lakers' postseason hopes, as the team struggled without their All-Star guard. His ability to create offense and make plays is integral to the Lakers' championship aspirations.

The details

Dončić sustained the hamstring injury during the Lakers' April 2 game against the Thunder. He immediately left the game and was later diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain, an injury that typically requires 2-4 weeks of recovery time. To expedite his return, Dončić traveled to Spain to work with the country's top sports medicine specialists.

  • Dončić suffered the hamstring injury on April 2.
  • He traveled to Spain shortly after the injury occurred.
  • Dončić is set to return to the Lakers on Friday, April 14.

The players

Luka Dončić

The All-Star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who suffered a hamstring injury and traveled to Spain for specialized treatment.

Los Angeles Lakers

The NBA team that Luka Dončić plays for, who are hoping to have their star player back in time for the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“Luka's return is huge for us. He's our engine, and we need him healthy if we want to make a deep playoff run.”

— LeBron James, Lakers Forward

What’s next

Dončić will be evaluated by the Lakers' medical staff upon his return to Los Angeles on Friday. The team will then determine if he is ready to participate in practice and potentially play in the team's first-round playoff series, which begins next week.

The takeaway

Luka Dončić's hamstring injury and subsequent trip to Spain to seek specialized treatment highlights the importance of star players being healthy for the NBA playoffs. The Lakers will be relieved to have their All-Star guard back, as his playmaking and scoring ability are crucial to the team's championship aspirations.