Luka Doncic has been seen practicing light shooting drills, raising hopes for his return in the playoffs. The Lakers are set to continue their series against the Houston Rockets this weekend.
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Sure, LeBron James has turned back the clock in the first two games of the LA Lakersā opening round series with the Houston Rockets. But the Lakersā playoff destiny still rests on whether Luka Doncic can return and make an impact.
Doncic was ruled out for the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs with a Grade 2 strained hamstring back on April 2nd. Itās an injury that usually takes four to six weeks to heal. Weāre three weeks out at this point. However, great news for the Lakers on Thursday. Doncic was seen on the practice floor going through some light shooting drills.
This was a promising sign ahead of the Lakers taking off for Texas to resume their series. Games 3 and 4 take place in Houston this weekend.
A report from Khobi Price in the New York Post had Doncic working out with assistant coach Greg St. Jean and head video coordinator Michael Wexler after the Lakersā main team practice.
The superstar āgingerlyā performed some shooting drills, first from inside the paint, then some standstill threes from beyond the arc.
Doncic, of course, isnāt the only superstar out of the Lakersā lineup. Austin Reaves was also ruled out in the same April 2nd game with a Grade 2 left oblique strain. His return is also unspecified, but he has been doing some court work over the past week.
Without the two stars, the 40-year-old James has given Father Time (and the Rockets) a little lesson over the first two games of the series. He poured in 28 points in Game 2, after a 19 point, 13 assist, 8 rebound performance in Game 1. The Lakers lead the series 2-0 going to Houston.
Luka Doncic, who was previously ruled out for the playoffs due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain, has been seen practicing light shooting drills, indicating a potential return.
Luka Doncic was injured on April 2nd, and a Grade 2 hamstring strain typically requires four to six weeks for recovery.
The Lakers will play Games 3 and 4 of their series against the Houston Rockets this weekend in Houston.
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