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Luka Dončić ‘Not Close’ for Start of Thunder Series, Insiders Say

A tight every-other-day schedule limits his chance to rejoin early in the round.

Overview

  • ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said after the Lakers’ Game 6 win that Dončić has not begun contact work and is unlikely to play for at least another week to 10 days.
  • Los Angeles opens the second round against Oklahoma City on Tuesday, and the every-other-day format cuts into rehab and ramp-up time.
  • The All-Star guard has been out since early April with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain sustained against the Thunder.
  • Team voices and reporters say he has not started running or 1-on-1 drills, though he has done light individual work after seeking regenerative treatment in Spain.
  • With the league’s leading scorer sidelined, the Lakers will lean on LeBron James and Austin Reaves and try to extend the series long enough for a safe return if his progress allows.