Lakers Star Doncic Seeks Hamstring Rehab in Europe

Doncic aims to return for playoffs after missing end of regular season

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:28am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angled view of a basketball player in motion, representing the Lakers' uncertainty surrounding Luka Doncic's injury and recovery.Doncic's injury absence leaves the Lakers searching for solutions as they enter the playoffs.Oklahoma City Today

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic has been receiving treatment in Spain for a Grade 2 left hamstring strain he suffered on April 2. The team expects Doncic and teammate Austin Reaves to miss the start of the first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, though Doncic is set to return to Los Angeles on Friday as he works to recover in time for the postseason.

Why it matters

Doncic's health is crucial for the Lakers' playoff hopes, as he was putting together an MVP-caliber season before the injury. The team will need to find a way to win without their superstar to start the series, relying more on LeBron James and the supporting cast.

The details

Doncic has been undergoing multiple injections and extensive treatment in Spain over the past week in an effort to accelerate his recovery timeline from the Grade 2 hamstring strain. The typical recovery time for this type of injury is around a month, putting his availability for the start of the playoffs in serious doubt.

  • Doncic suffered the injury on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
  • Doncic has been receiving treatment in Spain over the past week.
  • Doncic is expected to return to Los Angeles on Friday, April 14.

The players

Luka Doncic

The star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who was having an MVP-caliber season before suffering a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

LeBron James

The veteran Lakers star who has helped steady the team in Doncic's absence, earning Western Conference Player of the Week honors to close out the regular season.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers guard who is also expected to miss the start of the playoffs due to injury.

Shams Charania

The ESPN reporter who provided updates on Doncic's injury and recovery timeline.

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What they’re saying

“Over the last week in Spain, the majority of that time, he's been getting treatment on that hamstring. He has had multiple injections to see if he can promote healing, and whether he can quicken the timeline of his return.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Reporter

“The expectation is that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will both be out to start the first round.”

— Shams Charania, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Doncic's health will be crucial for the Lakers' playoff hopes, as he was having an MVP-caliber season before the injury. The team will need to find a way to win without their superstar to start the series, relying more on LeBron James and the supporting cast.