Luka Doncic Reveals Expected Return Timeline Before Game 2 Against Thunder
Luka Doncic has yet to play a single minute of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The Los Angeles Lakers' franchise player has been sidelined since April 2, when he suffered a Grade 2 left hamstring strain during a regular-season loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the same team the Lakers are now facing in the Western Conference Semifinals.
Doncic appeared in 64 regular-season games for the Lakers, leading the NBA in scoring at 33.5 points per game. Despite his absence, Los Angeles went on to eliminate the Houston Rockets in six games, leaning heavily on LeBron James and the rest of the rotation. As of Sunday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Doncic is "still not full-fledged running or doing full-contact workouts," with the Lakers evaluating him week-to-week.
But ahead of Game 2 on Thursday night in Oklahoma City, Doncic offered the clearest public update on his status to date. The 27-year-old said he has begun running but has yet to be cleared for full-contact work. He also revealed the original timetable he was given by medical staff when he first suffered the injury.
"I'm just doing everything I can," Doncic said on Wednesday. "Every day I'm doing things I'm supposed to do. … The doctor said eight weeks at the beginning of the first MRI. So I'm just going day by day and I feel better every day"
Q: Do you have any intention to play when the series shifts to LA?
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 6, 2026
A: "I'm just doing everything I can … Every day I'm doing things I'm supposed to do. … The doctor said eight weeks at the beginning of the first MRI. So I'm just going day by day and I feel better every day" pic.twitter.com/e9p1b3c5IY
If this timeline holds, it would push Doncic's return to late May and potentially into a Western Conference Finals appearance, assuming the Lakers survive.
The stakes couldn't be higher for Los Angeles, especially after dropping Game 1 against Oklahoma City.
Game 2 tips off Thursday night at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. If the Lakers are unable to extend the series, Doncic's 2026 playoffs may be over before he plays a single possession. His eight-week timeline, however, leaves the door open, if Los Angeles can force a deep enough run for him to suit up.
Related: Calls Mount for Lakers to Make Bronny James Move for Game 2
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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 11:11 AM.