The latest return timeline update on Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Dončić comes as a massive blow for the side.
With the Lakers looking to put the Houston Rockets away in Game 5, their next opponent will be the clinical OKC Thunder. The Lakers are unlikely to have their mercurial guard at the start of the series against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his side.
Luka Dončić Injury Update and Potential Return Timeline For Second Round vs. Thunder
Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, NBA insider Shams Charania had some dire news for the Lakers faithful. “I’m told it is a slow path to his recovery. If the Lakers do advance in the series and play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round, the expectation is that Luka Dončić will be out to start that series.”
Charania further added, “There’s still no clarity on a timeline. He’s starting to ramp up a little bit more, and he’s still not progressing to full scrimmages and workouts yet.” This suggests that the Lakers will be without their marquee star if they punch a second-round berth against the in-form Thunder.
This comes as a dampener for the Lakers, who will be without their star playmaker and leading scorer. It was a stellar regular-season run for Dončić, averaging a league-high 33.5 points per contest, along with 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game in 64 regular-season appearances.
Additionally, the Thunder have had the better of the Lakers in all four of their skirmishes in the regular season. Their last matchup was an absolute disaster for the Lakers as they lost both Dončić and Reaves to injuries.
Much of the focus was on the Slovenian’s desperate efforts to get back on the floor. He made headlines for jetting off to Spain for treatment for his hamstring to accelerate recovery.
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At the time of writing, Austin Reaves is expected to lace up for a decisive Game 5. “My understanding is Austin Reaves expects to play tonight, barring any setback,” the insider said. This comes as welcome news for LA as they will now have the services of one of their bankable players. Reaves returns from a Grade 2 oblique strain that saw him miss the final few games of the regular season and four playoff games so far.
Leading the series 3-1, the general consensus is that the Lakers will close it out at home on Wednesday. The Rockets put up a spirited fight in the fourth matchup. They will undoubtedly pose a challenge for the Purple and Gold. LeBron James must continue his rich vein of form to help the Lakers clinch the series in an all-important Game 5.
