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Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after a basket against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

A new report claims that Slovenian guard Luka Doncic could return to the Los Angeles Lakers lineup for Game 3 or Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

According to Sportal, those in Doncic’s circle are not ruling out the possibility of Doncic playing either Game 3 on April 24 or Game 4 on April 26.

“Information has emerged about when Doncic might return to the court, claiming that this will happen between the third and fourth games of the playoffs against Houston.

“The fourth game, which is expected to be his first since his recovery, is on April 26 in Houston.”

The report added that Doncic will be on a minutes restriction upon his return.

“Doncic is expected to get moderate minutes upon his return to the court to gradually adapt to the competitive rhythm and get in shape for the very end of the NBA season, if his Lakers make it there without him at full strength.”

Luka Doncic Return Timeline

The report aligns with a similar Luka Doncic return timeline provided by the Slovenian outlet Ekipa last week. The report published on April 12 claimed that sources close to Doncic were “optimistic” about a return for either Game 4 or Game 5.

According to Ekipa’s Andrej Miljkovic, Doncic was so determined to fast-track his recovery from a grade 2 hamstring strain that he visited a sports doctor at his former club, Real Madrid, for alternative treatment, including cell therapy and PRP injections.

“The infamous 35 [day recovery timeline for a grade 2 hamstring strain] means that he would definitely miss the entire first round of the playoffs, and in that case, it is really hard to imagine the Lakers eliminating Houston.

“Those who are more optimistic, however, assume that LA can pull off a victory and that Luka can return for the third, fourth, or at the latest the fifth game.”

Luka Doncic Injury Update

If Doncic hypothetically rejoins his teammates by Game 4, the Lakers may have a legitimate chance of upsetting the Rockets and advancing to the second round.

JJ Redick’s team entered the series as +440 underdogs due to the injuries to Doncic and Austin Reaves (oblique strain). However, by winning Game 1 on Saturday, the Lakers are now a sporting +185 underdog to pull off the upset. The win also ensured that the series will be longer than anticipated, giving Doncic a little more time to return to the court and help his teammates battle Alperen Sengun and Co.

Doncic returned to Los Angeles on Friday after spending a week in Europe, where he underwent treatment for his hamstring injury and also visited his two daughters in Ljubljana. The All-Star guard was all smiles when he sat on the bench during Saturday’s Game 1 win against the Rockets.

“He’s in good spirits and we’re excited to see him today,” Redick said of Doncic rejoining the Lakers after being away from the team for a week.

Redick, though, has refused to offer a definitive timeline for Doncic’s return.

“He’s out indefinitely,” Redick said on Friday, via ESPN’s Lisa Salters.

The Lakers vs. Rockets series will conclude with a Game 7 (if necessary) on May 3.