Why isn't Luka Doncic playing? Explaining injury return timeline for Lakers star vs. Rockets

As of April 24, Doncic is still regarded to be out "indefinitely," and the franchise is not expecting him to return to play in their first-round bout against the Houston Rockets.

Doncic opted to travel to Europe in order to speed up his recovery timeline for his hamstring strain, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin and Shams Charania. Doncic consulted Lakers doctors and his own medical team, who decided going overseas for treatment was the correct approach.

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When will Luka Doncic return?

Los Angeles' star is still unavailable to suit up for tonight's game. Along with Game 3, the Lakers are not expecting Doncic to return at any point in their first-round series against Houston, according to Shams Charania.

The Slovenian has appeared at the Los Angeles practice facility, shooting around with Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt. The franchise has currently remained steady in their stance that Doncic will not see the court during the first round, but his return to a basketball court shows some promise for the future.

MORE:How does Doncic's injury affect Lakers playoff chances and his own MVP odds?

Will Luka Doncic play Game 3 vs. Rockets?

Doncic will remain out for Game 3 against Houston. The star still remains out "indefinitely," according to Shams Charania, and the Lakers are not expecting him to return in the first round.

Fortunately for Los Angeles, forward Austin Reaves has been making steady progress towards a playoff return. He has been out since early April with a grade 2 oblique strain and was originally slated to take four to six weeks for recovery. Reaves will be questionable for Friday night's Game 3, while Doncic is officially listed as out, according to the latest NBA injury report.

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Lakers vs. Rockets schedule