LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain but is progressing in his recovery, with Lakers insiders projecting a potential return in Game 1 or Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals if the team advances past the Houston Rockets, according to multiple reports on Monday.

The Slovenian superstar has been out since suffering the injury on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has not played in the Lakers' first-round playoff series, which stands at 3-0 in Los Angeles' favor entering Game 4 on Sunday. Coach JJ Redick and team officials continue to describe Doncic's status as "out indefinitely," emphasizing caution with the partial muscle tear.

Medical experts note that Grade 2 hamstring strains typically require four to six weeks of recovery, sometimes longer for athletes with prior hamstring issues. At roughly 25 days since the injury as of April 27, Doncic has begun light on-court work and is ramping up his return-to-play progression, but no firm timeline has been set.

Injury Details and Recovery Progress

Doncic initially felt discomfort late in the first half against Oklahoma City and was removed after grabbing his leg. An MRI confirmed the Grade 2........

© International Business Times