JJ Redick and the Los Angeles Lakers are remaining optimistic about Luka Doncic’s status for the NBA playoffs.
The six-time All-Star will remain out on Sunday for Game 4 against the Houston Rockets. However, the Lakers are holding out hope that Doncic will return at some point in the postseason.
Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2 in a regular-season game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He ended up missing the final five games of the campaign. It also does not seem likely that he will be able to return in the first round against the Rockets.
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Redick spoke to the press ahead of Game 4 on Sunday. The Lakers coach provided an encouraging update on Doncic and his road to recovery.
Redick announced that Doncic had started movement on the court on Sunday as he continues to rehab his hamstring. This is a significant step in the right direction for the 27-year-old, especially considering how “most of his stuff [before] had been standstill,” per Redick.
Despite the promising development, however, Redick also stated that there is still no timetable for Doncic’s return.
The Lakers could close out the series on Sunday. They are up 3-0 heading into Game 4, and Kevin Durant has already been ruled out due to an ankle injury.
Should they progress to the next round, L.A. will face the winner of the series between the No. 1 seed Thunder and the No. 8 seed Phoenix Suns. The defending champions are currently up 3-0 in the series, with Game 4 in Phoenix scheduled for Monday.
The Lakers will need Doncic back as soon as possible if they hope to potentially stand a chance against the Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
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