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Los Angeles, CA - March 27: Lakers guard Luka Doncic, #77, reacts to a referee's call in the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Friday, March 27, 2026. For the second time in less than a week, Luka Doncic faces a one-game suspension because of technical foul accumulation. Doncic finished with 41 points, eight rebounds and three assists in the win.(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

With the playoffs set to begin, the biggest question surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers remains: when will Luka Doncic return?

An injury expert has raised serious doubts about that timeline, suggesting the star guard may not be available at all during the first round.

Doncic, who is recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, recently traveled to Spain to undergo platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments. He is expected to return to Los Angeles on Friday, according to multiple reports, a development that has sparked optimism about a potential accelerated recovery.

However, former NFL team doctor David Chao offered a more cautious outlook, pointing to the inherent risk of rushing back from a hamstring injury.

Luka Doncic Injury Update: Doctor Questions First-Round Availability

GettyLuka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts from the floor after a play during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Chao, who frequently analyzes injuries across professional sports, said the Lakers would likely be careful with Doncic’s return — even with aggressive treatment.

“What that means is you’re waiting for healing,” Chao said. “Especially with a Grade 2, Luka ain’t playing in the first round. I don’t believe he is.”

The concern centers on the risk of reinjury, which is particularly high with hamstring strains.

“If you put Luka back one game too early, you could lose him for the rest of the playoffs,” Chao added.

That risk-reward balance could ultimately shape how the Lakers handle Doncic’s recovery as they prepare for a deep postseason run.

JJ Redick, Lakers Maintain ‘Out Indefinitely’ Status for Luka Doncic

The Lakers have not provided a definitive timeline for Doncic’s return. Head coach JJ Redick said earlier this week that both Doncic and Austin Reaves remain “out indefinitely” as Los Angeles prepares for its first-round series against the Houston Rockets.

The team will open the playoffs without its leading scorer, placing additional pressure on LeBron James to carry the offense early in the series.

Despite the uncertainty, the Lakers have not ruled out a postseason return for Doncic, leaving open the possibility that he could rejoin the lineup later in the playoffs if his recovery progresses without setbacks.

Austin Reaves Timeline Could Differ From Luka Doncic

While Doncic’s outlook remains uncertain, Chao suggested that Reaves — who is dealing with a strained oblique — may have a more favorable recovery timeline.

“I think Austin Reaves will come back,” Chao said. “The setback for a hamstring is more of a risk than the setback for an oblique.”

Chao added that Reaves could potentially return at some point during the first round, while Doncic’s situation appears more complicated.

“I think Reaves has a chance to come back in the first round,” he said. “Luka, I think, is out for the first round at least.”

Lakers Face Early Playoff Test Without Luka Doncic

The Lakers enter the postseason as the No. 4 seed but will be tested immediately against a physical Rockets team.

Without Doncic, Los Angeles will need contributions across the roster while hoping for positive updates on its injured star.

For now, the focus remains on patience — and avoiding a setback that could impact more than just one series.