Luka Doncic Lakers practice video emerges before Game 1
· Yahoo Sports
Luka Doncic remains sidelined for the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the Western Conference semifinals. The superstar guard suffered a Grade 2 hamstring injury during an NBA regular-season matchup on April 2. ESPN senior insider Shams Charania provided an update about his status on Sunday, saying that his recovery has been on a “slow path.”
However, Doncic was seen putting up shots at the Lakers’ practice facility on Monday. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin posted the clip on X.
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He appeared mobile and could return to action soon despite not being ruled out for Game 1 on Tuesday. Doncic has appeared in 64 games this season. The six-time All-Star averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 35.8 minutes per game.
LeBron James and Austin Reaves will likely carry the offensive load for Los Angeles. They will need to work doubly hard, as the Thunder have a lot of firepower on their roster.
Luka Doncic has a chance to play against Thunder
Feb 20, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) leaves the court after the game against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesCharania stressed that Doncic will likely miss the start of the conference semifinals. However, his sources left the door open for the possibility that the Slovenian star could play later in the semifinals, which would boost the Lakers’ chances.
Los Angeles advanced to the next round by beating the Houston Rockets in six games. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City swept the Phoenix Suns, giving them more days to rest and practice. The Thunder were already the favorites to win, but they are favored even more with Doncic sidelined.
While the 27-year-old’s potential return would be huge for his team, rust could be a factor. The coming week will be crucial in determining if Doncic will see action against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co.