Days after Luka Doncic was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain—which typically carries a recovery timeline of 4-6 weeks—the Lakers star is reportedly going to great lengths to speed up the process, aiming to return during LA’s playoff run.
Luka Doncic ‘Doing Everything He Can’ to Expedite Return to Lakers
Shams Charania: Doncic Going Abroad for Treatment
ESPN’s Shams Charania confirmed Monday that Doncic traveled to Spain to receive injections in his hamstring.
“I’m told Luka Doncic is currently in Spain. He traveled there to undergo an injection in that Grade 2 hamstring area to see if he can promote healing and, at the end of the day, expedite his return process,” Charania said. “He’s doing everything he can to make it back onto the court. We know a Grade 2 hamstring strain typically falls between four to six weeks. He’s doing everything he can to see if he can push that timeline up just a little bit.”
“We’re still not sure exactly how this treatment goes,” he continued. “Does it work? How much does it speed everything up? But that’s what he’s doing.”
With Austin Reaves also out 4-6 weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain, Charania noted the Lakers’ goal is to have both of them back during the playoffs. He echoed the sentiment of head coach JJ Redick, who said, “It’s our job to extend the season so that they can come back.”
Feasible Solution Lying in Wait
The Lakers’ narrow loss to the Dallas Mavericks showed that while key contributors can step up alongside LeBron James, relying on the same seven or eight guys will not be enough. In the wake of Sunday’s results, some fans criticized Redick for not giving the team’s younger players a chance—a valid argument with the season winding down and depth remaining a concern.
This is JJ's fault.
Lakers recalled Dalton Knecht, Nick Smith, Adou Thiero, and Kobe Bufkin. Pretty much the best players, and JJ didn't even play them. He sabotaged the G League team. https://t.co/PSOzKBfUtH
— Devin ☀️ (@DevDock) April 6, 2026
While Bronny James has earned meaningful minutes as of late, the same cannot be said for other developing Lakers, be it the three on two-way contract players (Nick Smith Jr., Drew Timme, and Chris Mañon) or the ones on guaranteed deals (Dalton Knecht, Adou Thiero and Kobe Bufkin). With the team’s guard rotation all but in the gutter, it’d be worth it to find minutes for Smith Jr., Bufkin and Mañon, who have all flashed their two-way potential with the South Bay Lakers. Up front, Knecht can easily enhance the team’s perimeter offense, while Thiero and Timme could gain overdue reps and hone their impressive skill sets.
For a coach and organization that are all about player development, there’s no time like the present to give the first- and second-year Lakers a chance.
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