Overview
- Dončić, whom the Lakers listed as out Thursday, said Wednesday that doctors gave him an eight‑week timeline after his MRI on the Grade 2 left hamstring strain.
- He has started running but has not been cleared for contact, and he detailed four platelet‑rich plasma injections in Spain spaced four days apart to speed healing.
- Oklahoma City leads the series 1-0 after a 108-90 win, and ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported the Lakers entered this round expecting to compete without Dončić for now.
- The Thunder also ruled Jalen Williams out for Thursday with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, and coach Mark Daigneault said he has not yet done high‑intensity scrimmages.
- The every‑other‑day schedule narrows Dončić’s window, which means any return likely depends on the series lasting longer, increasing pressure on LeBron James and the Lakers’ offense.