There is both good news and bad news for the Los Angeles Lakers. The good news is that Luka Doncic is making progress in his recovery. The bad news is that he remains sidelined, and his return depends on the Lakers advancing in the playoffs.
Sports doctor Jesse Morse has provided a realistic timeline for Doncic's return, considering the severity of his injury. The star guard has resumed controlled on-court movement after weeks of limited activity, marking a significant step in his recovery from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. While it is not a full return, it is the first real indication that the long wait may soon be over.
Doctor Provides Timeline on Luka Doncic's Return
The Luka Doncic injury update becomes clearer when viewed through a medical lens. Sports doctor Jesse Morse indicated that this stage of rehabilitation often suggests a return window of 10 to 14 days. That projection places Doncic's possible comeback between May 6 and May 10, provided there are no setbacks. “Sounds like Luka Doncic is about 10-14 days away from returning to the court,” Morse wrote on X.
Doncic has been out since April 2, the same night Austin Reaves was injured. During this period, the Slovenian star traveled to Europe for specialized treatment, highlighting how seriously the Lakers are treating this injury. Insider Jovan Buha previously suggested a return in Game 1 or Game 2 of the second round, which aligns closely with the medical outlook.
Head coach JJ Redick kept expectations measured while offering a glimpse into the next phase. “Most of his stuff [before] had been standstill,” Redick said ahead of Game 4. “He's progressing, but no update on any timeline or anything like that.” For now, the focus remains on patience. According to Shams Charania, Doncic will not return in this series against the Houston Rockets, even if it extends to seven games.
The Lakers appear determined not to rush their centerpiece, especially with deeper playoff ambitions in sight.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets Game 5: Injury Updates and More
Game 5 between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets arrives with plenty at stake and several notable absences. The Lakers hold a 3-1 series lead and can close things out on April 29 in Los Angeles, but their lineup will still look different.
Reaves is expected to make his playoff debut this season, stepping into a backcourt role alongside Marcus Smart, while LeBron James continues to anchor the group. Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton round out a lineup built to absorb the loss of Doncic, at least for now.
Houston faces its own challenge. Reports indicate Kevin Durant will not be available, leaving a young core led by Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun to extend the series. Both teams are missing key pieces, yet the urgency feels unchanged. One side looks to advance. The other fights to stay alive.
If the Lakers finish the job, a second-round clash with the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, likely awaits. By then, the timeline surrounding Doncic may no longer be theoretical.
