The Los Angeles Lakers are navigating the NBA playoffs without guard Luka Doncic, who remains out due to injury.
Doncic’s Hamstring Injury
Doncic was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on April 2, in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has not featured for the Lakers since.
Lakers’ Playoff Performance Without Doncic
Despite Doncic’s absence, the Los Angeles Lakers initially dominated their first-round Western Conference matchup against the Houston Rockets, securing the first three games of the series. However, the Rockets have since rallied, winning the last two games, including a 99-93 victory in Game 5.
The Rockets are now aiming to become the first NBA team since the Boston Celtics in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat to force a Game 7 after being down 0-3.
It is worth noting that the three previous NBA teams that forced a series finale down 0-3 all lost Game 7.
Potential Return and Future Opponents
If the Lakers advance, they will face the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder swept the regular-season series against Los Angeles, winning all four meetings by an average of 22 points per game.
Doncic is not expected to be ready for the start of that series due to his hamstring injury.
Doncic’s return date remains uncertain as the Lakers continue their playoff journey.