Luka Doncic has been ruled out for Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, as the Los Angeles Lakers face elimination trailing 3-0 in the series.
The Los Angeles Lakers star guard Luka Doncic has officially been ruled out for Game 4 of the second-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night.
Los Angeles Lakers / Schedule
The Lakers trail 3-0 in the series, meaning OKC could complete the sweep in Game 4.
It will mark Doncic's 10th missed playoff game since suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2. He has still not been cleared for full-contact basketball activities.
According to sports doctor Jesse Morse, Doncic likely suffered a significant Grade 2 hamstring strain or partial tear and could still be one to two weeks away from returning.
Dr. Morse also criticized the Lakers' handling of the injury, saying the team relied only on PRP therapy, which he believes was not enough and may have slowed Luka's recovery during the playoffs.
Credit AP - Scanpix
"In my opinion, based on what we know, he should have returned 1-2 weeks ago if completed properly," Morse wrote on X.
He described PRP treatment as "a baby dose" and "about a three out of 10 in potency," adding that the injury required a more aggressive regenerative treatment approach.
Doncic has now missed 14 games since suffering the injury, with the Lakers posting a 7-7 record during that stretch.
Game 4 is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET on Monday at Crypto.com Arena.
Thunder vs. Lakers schedule:
Game 1: Lakers vs. Thunder on Tuesday, May 5 (OKC won 108-90)
Game 2: Lakers vs. Thunder on Thursday, May 7 (OKC won 125-107)
Game 3: Thunder vs. Lakers on Saturday, May 9 (OKC won 131-108)
Game 4: Thunder vs. Lakers on Monday, May 11
Game 5: Lakers vs. Thunder on Wednesday, May 13*
Game 6: Thunder vs. Lakers on Saturday, May 16*
Game 7: Lakers vs. Thunder on Monday, May 18*
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