Lakers receive huge Luka Doncic update ahead of Rockets rematch
LA took Game 1 and the Lakers are primed for more.
Lakers receive huge Luka Doncic update ahead of Rockets rematch originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Luka Doncic is on his way back.
The Los Angeles Lakers ' superstar guard was seen milling about in practice on Monday as he nears a return from the hamstring injury that ended his regular season prematurely. It's great news for a Lakers squad that is on a high following Saturday's 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round matchup. Luka Doncic back on the Lakers practice court pic.
twitter. com/YTHIO6Wdo8 — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 20, 2026 MORE : Luka Doncic's MVP hopes take sudden turn after 65-game rule relief Doncic suffered a grade 2 hamstring strain in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, and Lakers head coach JJ Redick said last week that his absence -- along with guard Austin Reaves' -- would be "indefinite. " Redick on Monday called Doncic's return to the practice court "really nice," though the NBA's leading scorer still is not actively participating in shooting drills.
That means his return to the court is still a little off. Still, as the Lakers look to take a 2-0 series lead against the Rockets on Tuesday night, Redick sees the value in having the group back together as Los Angeles hopes to embark on a deep playoff run. “It’s been really nice.