Luka Doncic does not appear to be anywhere close to returning for the Los Angeles Lakers this postseason.
The Slovenian superstar has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in an April 2 regular-season contest versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. With the Lakers set to advance to the second round against the same Thunder team, the big question remains whether Doncic can return during the series.
ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth shared the latest news on Doncic during the third quarter of the Lakers’ Game 6 win over the Houston Rockets. Doncic reportedly “has not advanced to one-on-one or full contact work.” The Lakers star remains limited to doing “some movement work” during team drills, but his participation has all been in a controlled environment.
Per Hubbarth, Doncic is “a step away from anything live” and is facing a “slow build toward a return, not an imminent one.” Doncic remains a ways away from scrimmages, which is usually the final step before a player gets the green light to return to the floor.
The Lakers took care of business on Friday, beating the Rockets 98-78 to win the first-round series 4-2. But going on to play a Game 7 and winning would have arguably been a better result for Los Angeles to give Doncic an extra couple of days to work his way back.
Facing the Thunder would have already been tough even with Doncic fully healthy. Without him, the Lakers may not stand much of a chance against the defending champs. Then again, many counted the Lakers out against the Rockets, but LeBron James turned back the clock to carry his team to victory.