When will Luka Doncic return? Lakers star's status for second round

May 2, 2026Updated May 3, 2026, 1:59 p.m. ETThe Los Angeles Lakers are moving on to the second round of the NBA playoffs.The Lakers put away the Houston Rockets in the first round on Friday, May 1, but have an unfavorable matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead.Los Angeles will enter the series fairly healthy, but the status of Luka Doncic remains uncertain.He suffered a hamstring injury on April 2 in a blowout regular-season loss to the Thunder and has not played in a game since. He has missed 11 games, the Lakers going 7-4 during that span.Doncic led the league in points per game with 33.5 during the regular season. He was also third with 8.3 assists per game.Will Luka Doncic play vs. Thunder?Doncic appears doubtful to start the series for the Lakers. The guard will likely have to take necessary steps to return — things like practice and 5-on-5 simulation games — before he's ready to play in a postseason environment.Will Luka Doncic play Game 1 for Lakers?Doncic was ruled out for Game 6 on May 1. The Lakers are expected to release a status report on Monday, May 4 with an update on the star guard.When do