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Lakers star Luka Dončić’s return timeline is becoming clearer after treatment, as a new update signals when he could be back.

Luka Dončić may return for the playoffs, but one sports doctor says he won’t be close to full strength. Dončić is set to return to Los Angeles after more than a week of hamstring treatment in Spain, but a prominent Florida-based sports medicine physician is now throwing cold water on any quick return. If his new prediction proves accurate, the Lakers are looking at a tough road in the playoffs.

The Lakers open their first-round series against the Houston Rockets this weekend, and the question of whether their franchise player suits up just got a lot more complicated. The new assessment raises serious questions about how effective Dončić can be in a first-round series.

Dr. Jesse Morse posted Tuesday that Dončić “realistically needs at least another 10 days” before safely taking the court.

Dr. Morse emphasized that even after the initial 10 days, a full recovery for the 27-year-old six-time All-Star is not likely until July, and the best that can be expected of Dončić during the NBA playoffs is around 80% of his full ability.

A Grade 2 Tear, Trip to Spain and Uncertain Playoff Return

Dončić went down in the third quarter of the Lakers’ 139-96 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, clutching his left hamstring. He did not return. An MRI confirmed a Grade 2 strain — a partial muscle tear that typically requires three to six weeks of recovery, according to a Yahoo Sports analysis.

The Lakers ruled him out for the final regular-season games, and his playoff status immediately became the defining story of the Western Conference bracket.

Dončić traveled to Spain for what are believed to be multiple injection treatments. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Dončić was returning to the United States for re-evaluation. Reporting from the Spanish media suggested that the hamstring injury proved worse than initially diagnosed when Dončić arrived for treatment in Spain.

Still, according to a CBS Sports report, a first-round appearance couldn’t be ruled out for Dončić.

But Dr. Morse’s 10-day floor and 80% ceiling make that a steep climb.

When asked whether the transatlantic travel would set back recovery, Dr. Morse acknowledged it was “not ideal” but suggested the treatment may offset the toll, noting that Dončić was likely flying on a private jet, which would ease travel stress on the injury somewhat.

Responding to speculation that Dončić received PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections in Spain, Dr. Morse replied simply, “Likely much stronger.”

The Trade, the Historic Season and What Dončić Means to L.A.

To appreciate the stakes, it’s worth recalling how Dončić landed in Los Angeles in the first place. In one of the most shocking trades in NBA history, the Dallas Mavericks sent Dončić to the Lakers in February of last year in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a first-round pick.

Lakers executive Rob Pelinka called it a “gift” at the introductory press conference, and Dončić has earned that label every night since.

In his first full season in L.A., Dončić averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds across 64 games to claim his second career NBA scoring title and carry the Lakers to the No. 3 seed in the West. He scored 600 points in March alone, becoming just the 10th player in NBA history to reach that single-month mark, according to research by ESPN.

Now, with 80% health as the predicted postseason ceiling and full recovery said to be months away, the Lakers face a very different playoff run than NBA experts previously envisioned.