Luka Doncic Out for Games 3 and 4 — But Lakers Aren’t Giving Up Hope

The Lakers are down 0-2 to Houston. And Luka Doncic is still not playing.

The team has officially ruled out their star for Games 3 and 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Rockets. Doncic suffered a grade 2 hamstring strain in early April, flew to Spain for specialist treatment, and has since returned to light on-court work at practice — a positive sign, but not enough to suit up yet.

The timeline beyond Game 4 is murky. Those close to Doncic haven’t ruled out a return if the Lakers can extend the series. The second round begins May 4 — and if LA somehow advances, there’s a real chance he plays again this postseason.

For now, the Lakers are trying to win an NBA playoff series without their best player. Not ideal.