Lakers’ Luka Doncic reportedly in Spain, aiming to accelerate recovery timeline

The Lakers are facing an uphill climb entering the postseason, but Luka Doncic is doing what he can to change the timeline.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Doncic has traveled to Spain to undergo a procedure aimed at accelerating his recovery from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain.

“The expectation around the Lakers right now is both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will be sidelined indefinitely going into the playoffs,” Charania said on NBA Today. “But we got a new wrinkle going into this week… I’m told Luka Doncic is currently in Spain. He traveled there because he’s undergoing an injection procedure in that Grade 2 hamstring area to see if he can promote healing and at the end of the day expedite his return process.

“He’s doing everything he can to make it back out on the court. We know a Grade 2 hamstring strain typically falls between four to six weeks. He’s doing everything he can to see if he can push that timeline up just a little bit… we’re still not sure exactly how this treatment goes. Does it work? How much does it speed everything up? But that’s what he’s doing, he’s in Spain.”

Doncic had been playing at an MVP level prior to the injury and has already been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season.

Meanwhile, Reaves is also expected to miss extended time with an oblique injury, further complicating Los Angeles’ outlook.

With the playoffs less than two weeks away, the Lakers’ hopes may ultimately hinge on whether Doncic can beat the typical recovery timeline.