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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.

The Los Angeles Lakers have been without superstar point guard Luka Doncic since April 2.

Doncic is 16 days into an injury that typically necessitates a monthlong recovery timeline, but there is still hope around the Lakers organization that Doncic can return to the court even sometime during the first round. 

Doncic, 27, incurred a Grade 2 hamstring strain in the third quarter of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although the Lakers star showed signs of discomfort in his hamstring in the first half, the team decided it wasn’t significant enough to sit him down. 

Later in the game, Doncic, while attempting to make a quick move to the basket, immediately grabbed at the backside of his leg and hobbled away from live action. 

GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a play during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Just days after suffering the injury, Doncic reportedly flew to Spain to seek specialized treatment on his hamstring in hopes of accelerating his recovery. 

On Friday, Doncic returned to the United States and rejoined the Lakers, according to sources, as the team looks ahead to starting the playoffs with its best player sidelined.

Massive Update on Luka Doncic Delivers More Hope for L.A.

Tonight, Los Angeles will open up its first round series at Crypto.com Arena against the visiting Houston Rockets. 

This is the 4-5 matchup in the Western Conference. Had the Lakers retained the third seed, they would’ve instead welcomed the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves.

L.A. instead is preparing for a spry, athletic Houston team that hangs its hat on rebounding and physical defense. The Rockets are also battling some key injuries ahead of gametime. Star forward Kevin Durant was listed as questionable on the injury report after he hurt his ankle during team practice earlier this week. 

Houston lacking Durant in Game 1 would obviously assist L.A., but the home team is more concerned about regaining Doncic’s services. 

According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, the Lakers are quite hopeful they’ll see Doncic return to the lineup sometime during the first round. 

“Typically a Grade 2 hamstring [takes] about 3-6 weeks [to heal],” Buha said Friday in a CNN interview. “There’s a chance maybe he comes back in the middle of the series.” 

The Lakers are already set on having to play some games without Doncic and Austin Reaves, who suffered a Grade 2 Oblique tear. These are their two main offensive threats, leaving a 41-year-old LeBron James as their next viable option. 

A Series of Potential Momentum Swings

The Rockets were part of the many teams that felt Doncic’s scoring punch in March. He scored 36 and 40 points respectively in back-to-backs against Houston. His return would tilt the Lakers to an advantageous spot. 

If the Slovenian does make a swift recovery in time for the remainder of the series, the Lakers will have it at the back of their minds that they won’t be getting him at 100%. He will also likely play under a minute restriction due to the recurring nature of the injury.

“But also with hamstring strains, you got to be careful,” Buha said. “Even if Luka is able to return by Game 3 or Game 4, there’s no guarantee he could stay healthy. 

For now, the Lakers go into Game 1 with James and will hope to make the series as close as possible should Doncic make a return.