Luka Doncic injury update is not what Lakers fans want to hear

Luka Doncic injury update is not what Lakers fans want to hear originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard Luka Doncic is still a ways away from getting back on the court in these playoffs.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported that if the Lakers advance to the second round of the playoffs, there's a chance Doncic misses that series.

"My understanding is it is a slow path on the recovery front for Luka," Charania said. "The expectation is if the Lakers are able to beat Houston and advance, Luka Doncic will be out for the next series.

"There's still no timetable for him as of right now. He's starting to do more court movement, as JJ Redick said the other day, but he is not at the point where he's progressing in his on-court workouts as far as one-on-ones and truly pushing it on a movement front."

Charania clarified on Wednesday morning that the expectation is that Doncic will be out "to start" the series if the Lakers advance.

Lakers managing without Luka Doncic

Thursday will be exactly four weeks since Doncic suffered his Grade 2 hamstring strain. Typically, the recovery timetable for that injury is about 4 to 6 weeks.

Doncic has missed the last nine games, including the four playoff ones. While the Lakers are without their best player, they hold a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Houston Rockets.