Getty

Luka Dončić works through light shooting drills during a Lakers practice session as his return outlook remains uncertain.

The Los Angeles Lakers saw a surge of optimism this week after a widely circulated video showed Luka Dončić back on the court. But a medical expert and a former NBA champion are both urging caution, casting doubt on how soon the star guard could realistically return.

Doctor Pushes Back on Luka Dončić Return Hype After Practice Video

Dončić was spotted participating in what ESPN’s Dave McMenamin described as “controlled, light movement shooting” following Thursday’s practice — his most visible step yet in recovering from a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

Working under the supervision of Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean, Dončić appeared to be easing back into basketball activity, fueling speculation that a return during the first-round series might be possible.

But physical therapist Dr. Evan Jeffries quickly pushed back after reviewing the video.

“Glad to see Luka Dončić back on the court,” Jeffries wrote on X. “However, this does not look like a player that would be back in a week from the hamstring strain.”

Luka Dončić Timeline Remains Biggest Question

Dončić has been sidelined since April 2 with a Grade 2 hamstring strain — his second such injury this season — and has been labeled “out indefinitely,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

While the video provided a psychological lift, Jeffries’ reaction underscores a key reality: early-stage court work does not equate to game readiness.

Grade 2 hamstring strains typically require four to six weeks of recovery, with additional time often needed if there is prior injury history or risk of re-aggravation.

Danny Green Offers Similar Reality Check on Hamstring Injuries

Former Lakers champion Danny Green also expressed that concern even before the series began, offering a blunt assessment of Dončić’s timeline based on his own experience with similar injuries.

“When I heard Grade 2, I said he’s out. He’s not coming back,” Green told Heavy Sports in a conference call last week. “That’s usually four to six weeks. But if you’ve already injured it before, you can add another two weeks on top of that.”

Green emphasized that hamstring injuries are among the most difficult to manage in the NBA due to their sensitivity and high risk of recurrence.

“Hamstrings are very sensitive,” Green said. “If you pop that thing, you’re out for a very long time.”

His estimate — potentially stretching the timeline closer to six to eight weeks — aligns with the cautious tone of Jeffries’ reaction to the recent video.

Light Work Still Early in Recovery Process

The drills Dončić performed — light shooting, passing and controlled movement — represent an early stage of rehabilitation.

Players recovering from hamstring strains must still progress through more demanding phases, including sprinting, cutting and full-contact practice, before being cleared for game action.

Jeffries’ analysis highlights that Dončić remains far from those stages, even if his presence on the court signals progress.

Lakers Benefiting From Strong Start

The Lakers’ strong start to the series has reduced the urgency surrounding Dončić’s return.

Los Angeles holds a 2-0 lead over the Houston Rockets, allowing the team to prioritize long-term health rather than rushing its star guard back.

The playoff schedule could also play a role. If the series extends, the timeline would approach the one-month mark from Dončić’s injury — a window that could theoretically align with a return, though still not guaranteed.

Recovery Efforts Add Intrigue but Not Certainty

Dončić also traveled to Europe for specialized treatment aimed at accelerating his recovery, adding another layer of intrigue to his timeline.

While such treatments may help speed the process, both Jeffries and Green suggest that the nature of the injury itself — rather than optimism or visuals — will ultimately dictate his return.

Hope Meets Reality for Lakers

For now, the video of Dončić back on the court offers encouragement, but not confirmation.

The Lakers may have reason to believe progress is being made, but the medical reality remains unchanged.

As Jeffries’ reaction makes clear, the path back from a hamstring strain is measured not in highlights — but in time.

And for Dončić, that time may still be longer than many expect.