Lakers Receive Luka Doncic Update Ahead of Game 2 Against Rockets
The Luka Doncic injury watch just got a lot more interesting after ESPN's Dave McMenamin posted footage Tuesday morning showing the Lakers' franchise cornerstone back on the El Segundo practice floor.
He went down in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, grabbing the back of his leg in visible discomfort. He was subsequently diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, which sidelined him for the remainder of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.
So, the Lakers left with no option but to open the postseason without their league-leading scorer, who averaged 33.5 points per game this season. Despite missing that firepower, the Purple and Gold found a breakthrough in Game 1 against the Houston Rockets as Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points.
LeBron James also recorded 19 points and 13 assists to lead the shorthanded team to a convincing 107-98 victory. With Houston's Kevin Durant sidelined due to a bruised right knee, the Lakers gained an unexpected advantage.
After the game, James said, per ESPN, "When you're missing so much firepower like we are right now with AR and Luka being out, we all have to do our job and maybe have to do a little bit more, protect one another offensively and defensively, and I think we did that tonight."
Now, with the series at 1-0 in LA's favor, footage of the Slovenian star participating in shooting drills alongside teammates for the first time since his injury is a major relief for the team.
Luka Doncic back on the Lakers practice court pic.twitter.com/YTHIO6Wdo8
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 20, 2026
He returned to Los Angeles this past Friday after a week in Spain. He underwent specialized cell therapy and regenerative injections with Dr. Javier Barrio at his former club, Real Madrid.
JJ Redick confirmed he spoke with the 27-year-old upon his arrival and noted the star was "in good spirits." But publicly, Redick continues to list both Doncic and Austin Reaves as "out indefinitely" to manage expectations.
However, having Luka back at the practice facility, the second-year coach recently said, "It's been really nice. He definitely rebounded and passed on some shooting drills. … Having the group together two out of the last three days has been really nice."
Now, sources close to Doncic claim that a return for Game 3 or 4 in Houston is possible, likely with a minutes restriction. But Redick and the Lakers' front office won't likely risk it with Doncic because he is right now the team's biggest scoring asset.
Despite that, Game 3 is currently the earliest realistic date for his debut after injury. And seeing him back in the gym confirms he's very close to making that happen.
The Lakers already took home-court advantage by winning Game 1 without two of their top scorers. So, adding their best player back into the lineup in Houston completely changes the dynamic of the series.
Related: Lakers' Owner Jeanie Buss Shares Emotional Luka Doncic Story Involving Kobe Bryant and Gigi
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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 3:57 PM.