Luka Dončić’s absence was felt by the Los Angeles Lakers, who fell 108-90 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the second round of the playoffs on Tuesday. The mercurial superstar was on the sidelines as he continued to recover from his hamstring injury.
Without him on the floor, the onus was on LeBron James and Austin Reaves to lead the offense.
Ric Flair Demanded the Lakers Trade Luka Dončić After Game 1
However, the Lakers fell short despite James’ valiant efforts on both ends of the hardwood. Disappointed with the performance, WWE legend Ric Flair sent out a harsh message to Dončić.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Flair minced no words when calling out the Slovenian superstar as he continues to be on the recovery table.
Posting an image of Dončić, he wrote: “Luka @lukadoncic, Please Get In The Game! Take A Shot Of Cortisone And Deal With The Pain! They Are Paying You 50 Million A Year, And You’re Not There! WTF! I Hope @JeanieBuss Trades You Next Year. Nobody Wants A Lame Duck On Their Team!”
Luka @lukadoncic, Please Get In The Game! Take A Shot Of Cortisone And Deal With The Pain! They Are Paying You 50 Million A Year, And You’re Not There! WTF! I Hope @JeanieBuss Trades You Next Year. Nobody Wants A Lame Duck On Their Team! pic.twitter.com/c5R2OvAltU
— Ric Flair® (@RicFlairNatrBoy) May 6, 2026
Flair’s blunt comments come after news that the Lakers’ mainstay would likely miss the start of the series against the Thunder.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Lakers were evaluating Dončić on a week-to-week basis as he heals from the Grade 2 hamstring strain sustained during the final stretch of the regular season.
Previously, the six-time All-Star had traveled to Spain for specialized treatment for the injury, but his return timeline remains unclear.
On the court, James led Los Angeles with a game-high 27 points, along with 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal. Rui Hachimura had 18 points, while Deandre Ayton finished with 10 points.
Meanwhile, Reaves had a forgettable outing with just 8 points and 4 turnovers.
For the Thunder, it was Chet Holmgren with a team-high 24 points and 12 rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell chipped in with 18 points each.
With six games remaining, the Lakers will look to regroup in their next game and head back to L.A. with an even scoreline.
The Thunder entered the series as overwhelming favorites, but the Purple and Gold proved they could do it without Dončić in the first round against the Houston Rockets.
Now, JJ Redick and his team will hope to continue their Cinderella run and stun the defending champions. Both teams next meet on Thursday, May 7, at the Paycom Center for a crucial Game 2.
