The Lakers will open the second round without Luka Doncic, and it may be a while before that changes.
Doncic is not close to returning from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain and will miss the start of the series against the Thunder, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. He is being evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
Doncic has been sidelined for about a month. He has progressed to on-court work, but has not resumed full-speed running or contact drills.
That leaves the Lakers short-handed against one of the league’s top teams.
Los Angeles advanced past the Rockets in six games in the first round, but Oklahoma City presents a different challenge. The defending champion Thunder are talented, confident and consistent.
LeBron James continues to produce at a high level, and Austin Reaves has shown he can deliver in key moments. Still, Doncic drives the offense.
He led the NBA in total points and scoring average this season. Without him, the Lakers face a much smaller margin for error as the series begins.
Game 1 is Tuesday at 8:30 pm. Eastern (NBC/Peacock).
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