Luka Doncic returned to practice for the Lakers
TL;DR
Luka Doncic returned to practice with the Lakers after a Grade 2 hamstring strain. His participation was limited, while Austin Reaves is also on the mend from an oblique strain.
Key points
- Luka Doncic returned to practice after a hamstring injury.
- Austin Reaves is recovering from an oblique strain.
- Reaves' return is estimated at four to six weeks.
- Doncic's practice participation was limited.
- Both players are key to the Lakers' playoff success.
Mentioned in this story
For the last couple of weeks, everyone has been wondering when Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be able to return to action for the Los Angeles Lakers — and if either of them will be able to return at all before the end of this year's NBA playoffs.
Reaves, who suffered an oblique strain on April 2, was seen getting some shots up at practice last week. The timetable for his return is thought to be roughly four to six weeks, which means the earliest he can realistically return is late in the Lakers' first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.
Doncic, who is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain he sustained on April 2, travelled to Spain to receive treatment. He returned to practice on Monday, albeit in a limited role.
Coach JJ Redick talked about what Doncic was able to do during practice and appreciated the small steps of progress being taken by his top two scoring options.
“It’s been really nice,” Redick said. “He definitely rebounded and passed on some shooting drills. … Having the group together two out of the last three days has been really nice.”
Generally, the timetable for recovery from a Grade 2 hamstring strain is three to six weeks. But it is the type of injury that must heal sufficiently to prevent any real chance of re-aggravating it, which could result in a more severe tear.
The Lakers took Game 1 on Saturday, 107-98. Game 2 will take place on Tuesday, and Game 3 won't be until Friday. Game 6 and Game 7, if necessary, will occur on May 1 and May 3, respectively, and by then, just over four weeks will have passed since both Doncic and Reaves got hurt.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Luka Doncic returned to practice for the Lakers
Q&A
When will Luka Doncic return to play for the Lakers?
Luka Doncic has returned to practice but his exact return date for games is still uncertain as he is recovering from a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
What is the status of Austin Reaves' injury and return timeline?
Austin Reaves is recovering from an oblique strain, with a potential return timeline of four to six weeks, possibly in late April.
How did Luka Doncic's injury impact the Lakers' playoff chances?
Luka Doncic's injury has raised concerns about the Lakers' performance in the playoffs, especially with both him and Austin Reaves sidelined.
