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Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on from the bench.

The Los Angeles Lakers are still looking at the possibility of having Luka Doncic back to play some part of their first round series. 

The Lakers, however, have received some encouraging signals about his recovery from his Grade 2 left hamstring strain as they prepare for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets.

Doncic wasn’t initially projected to play in the first round or at least the first few games, but major players inside the front office have teased a chance of that happening. 

L.A., for its part, has fared really well as it takes a 2-0 lead to Houston for Game 3 without Doncic and Austin Reaves. 

LeBron James has shouldered much of the load, posting 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in Tuesday’s 101-94 Game 2 victory.

Luka Doncic Return Edges Closer

Adding Doncic to the team will certainly shift the series outlook. He led the league in scoring this year and scored a combined 76 points against the Rockets just last month. The injury came at the worst possible time — but all hope may not be lost yet. 

Speculation around Doncic’s availability has intensified in recent days. He had made a trip to Europe to seek specialized treatment to move up his recovery timeline from the typical four-to-six-week period for a Grade 2 hamstring strain. 

He has since returned to L.A., though still not yet fully partaking in practice sessions. 

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Inside reports suggest that it may be closer than expected. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith confirmed the latest situation after having a conversation with the franchise’s executive. 

“I believe he will [play in the first round],” Smith said of Doncic. “[Lakers owner] Jeanie Buss — I interviewed her the other day, she would not confirm nor deny, she said, ‘We’re not going to let out any secret on anything’ … but we are excited for the possibilities and left it like that.”

Coach JJ Redick described the sight of Doncic doing some drills as “really nice.” Doncic strained his hamstring early this month and fears crept in immediately, especially when Reaves was diagnosed with a Grade 2 oblique injury. 

Both stars were almost certainly going to miss the first round, but Doncic’s European solution was intended to shave days or even weeks off that timeline.  

A full practice will confirm if it was a success but all signs point towards that angle. 

Can the Lakers See Off the Rockets Without Their Best Player?

The Lakers hold a commanding 2-0 lead, but that comfort will be tested in the next two games in Houston. 

They need Doncic on the floor, but the organization is clearly optimistic about his long-term presence. Resting him for the second round could be on the table to avoid any re-injury risk.

The 41-year-old James is in his playoff form and Houston has struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm, particularly when Rockets star Kevin Durant has been limited. 

Smith doesn’t believe the Rockets have done enough to warrant any potential threat. 

“The Lakers have not proven they are dangerous,” Smith said. “They’ve proven that Houston doesn’t belong on this level right now.”

If Houston adjusts and forces a more physical, extended battle on the road in Games 3 and 4, the lack of Doncic’s playmaking and scoring punch could become more apparent for the Lakers. The Rockets will look to take advantage of home court just as the Lakers did to flip momentum in their favor. 

The good news for the Lakers is the deeper the series goes, the more chances that Doncic gets to play in the first round. 

Game 3 tips off Friday night in Houston at Toyota Center.