The Los Angeles Lakers are heading into the Western Conference Semifinals without their best player. Luka Doncic, the centerpiece of Los Angeles' offense since his blockbuster move from Dallas, remains sidelined as the second-round series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder gets underway Tuesday night.
Doncic has been out since April 2, when he suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain against these same Thunder. Some irony that adds a layer to what could come later in this matchup. For now, ESPN's Shams Charania confirmed the Lakers will open the series without him.
"Luka Doncic will be out to start this series against the Oklahoma City Thunder," Charania reported. "The Lakers are evaluating Doncic on a week-to-week basis with that Grade 2 hamstring strain. He's missed about a month right now. One source told me in the last few days - it's still a slow path on Doncic's recovery. He's doing more and more on the court but right now still not full-fledged running or full-contact workout."
Doncic's Return Timeline Still Unclear
There was some optimism earlier that a trip to Europe for specialized treatment might fast-track his return. The latest update paints a more cautious picture. A Grade 2 hamstring strain typically demands four to six weeks of recovery and Doncic is sitting at the front end of that window.
He missed the entire first-round series as the Lakers took down the Houston Rockets 4-2, and there is no firm timetable for when he suits up again.
What Doncic's Absence Means for the Lakers
Los Angeles built its offense around Doncic after acquiring him from Dallas and losing him for a playoff series against Oklahoma City is about as difficult as it gets. He led the NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game during the regular season and ranked third in assists at 8.3 per game.
In 92 career regular season games with the Lakers, he has averaged 31.9 points, 8.1 assists and 7.8 rebounds. His playoff numbers are just as strong - 30.9 points, 9.2 rebounds and 7.8 assists across 55 career postseason games.
Without him, LeBron James and Austin Reaves carry the load against one of the most aggressive defenses in the West. Oklahoma City already showed what it can do against a partly Doncic-less Lakers team, winning 123-87 the last time these teams met without him healthy.
Game 1 tips off at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
