Luka Doncic did not play in the 2026 NBA playoffs after he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in the final weeks of the regular season. Without their best player, the Los Angeles Lakers had to rely on LeBron James and Austin Reaves in the postseason.
Doncic tried his best to return to the lineup. After he was ruled out in the regular season, his availability for the playoffs was the main concern. The Slovenian star traveled to Spain to undergo specialized platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatment. Even with that procedure, however, he remained on the Lakers' bench.
On Monday, the Lakers' playoff run came to an end after the Oklahoma City Thunder eliminated them in the second round. After that, Dan Woike and Sam Amick of The Athletic revealed an important detail on Doncic's injury. They reported on Tuesday that the NBA star initially had an MRI in Dallas, but his trip to Spain provided a more severe injury.
"While an MRI conducted in Dallas originally showed a Grade 2 lower hamstring strain, further medical evaluation in Spain showed a deeper and more severe hamstring injury, according to a league source," Woike and Amick wrote.
Woike and Amick also said in the report that Doncic has started to address his injury. This includes a vigorous treatment to get back to 100%.
"He's already begun the same strict offseason diet he undertook to transform his body last summer and is currently pain-free in the hamstring, positive signs for his long-term health. The expectation is that he won't be limited in his offseason preparation for next year, the Lakers' top priority in a good position to lead whatever roster the Lakers put alongside him."
Doncic had a promising campaign for the Lakers. He appeared in 64 games, averaging 33.5 points (most in the NBA), 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists. The six-time All-Star has started to prepare his body for the 2026-27 season.
Luka Doncic Called Out False Media Reports
Doncic's absence in the playoffs made it much more difficult for the Lakers in the playoffs. Amid the team's postseason run, however, some reports said the NBA star was close to making a return. After the squad was eliminated, the star guard put a stop to the rumors.
"It's very frustrating," Doncic said. "I know some people wanted me back, but obviously, I wasn't close to clearing. There was some stuff in the media that went out that wasn't true. Nobody of those people saw my MRIs, know nothing. So, it wasn't really true. If I could be out there, I would be 100%. Everybody in that room knows that. But it's been really tough."
After he was injured on April 2 against the Thunder, it was expected that he wouldn't play in the first round against the Rockets. When the Lakers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals, Doncic's status was still unsure.
Doncic will use the offseason to recover from his injury and return at his best ahead of next season.
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