Luka Dončić says he’s begun running, but he’s yet to be cleared for full contact. Says timetable that was originally given to him was 8 weeks.
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been missing Luka Doncic throughout the entire playoff run in 2026.
Throughout the first seven games of LA’s postseason, a lot of updates have painted many different pictures of the guard’s current state.
On Wednesday, Doncic officially addressed his situation with reporters for the first time in a while to offer his own personal update.
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 8: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball in front of Luguentz Dort #5 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center on April 8, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, Doncic confirmed that he has started running. That counts as a part of his return-to-play progress.
Luka Dončić says he’s begun running, but he’s yet to be cleared for full contact. Says timetable that was originally given to him was 8 weeks.
The star guard added that when he initially was diagnosed with his hamstring strain, he was placed on an eight-week timeline. He’s approaching the five-week mark, which surely places a major question mark on his availability for the second round.
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 27: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Going into the first round series against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers were viewed as heavy underdogs. Without Doncic on the court, not many believed that the lack of Doncic’s scoring punch would affect the Lakers to the point where the Rockets would have a breeze in round one.
Not only did the Lakers catch a break with the Kevin Durant injury in round one, but they ended up shocking the basketball world with a stellar performance in Doncic’s absence.
The Lakers took out the Rockets in six games, but they are off to a 0-1 start against the Thunder in round two. Following Tuesday’s action, LeBron James noted that Doncic’s absence surely affected them in against OKC.
“We have a guy that averaged 37 a game (not in the lineup),” James said after the loss, via LakersNation.
“We’re playing against the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA, as far as the ratings and everything. And when you play against great defenses, you have to have guys that can attract multiple defenders on the floor at all times. I feel like we got some great shots tonight, and we missed them. When you play against the World Champions, having a guy that averages 34-8-9, whatever the hell it is, that’s special.”
The Lakers haven’t had Luka Doncic on the court since their April 2 matchup against the Thunder. He missed the final five games of the regular season and remains out without a timeline for his return in the playoffs.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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