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Doncic’s hamstring injury rules him out for the regular season run-in and puts his playoff availability for the Lakers — and his MVP hopes — in doubt.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic (AFP)
All good runs hit a wall. And for the Los Angeles Lakers, that moment has arrived at the worst possible time.
Superstar Luka Doncic has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, ruling him out for the final five games of the regular season — and casting a major cloud over his playoff availability.
Playoff Uncertainty Looms
According to ESPNDoncic is now considered “uncertain” for the playoffs, a worrying development for a Lakers side that has surged to third in the Western Conference.
The injury occurred during a heavy 139-96 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, when Luka pulled up in visible pain while driving to the basket in the third quarter.
The 27-year-old was clearly emotional as he limped off the court.
MVP-Calibre Season at Risk
Luka has been at the heart of the Lakers’ late-season push, putting up staggering numbers: 33.5 points per game, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds
His March, in particular, was historic — as Luka racked up 13 games with 30+ points, including seven 40-point performances, along with standout outings of 51 and 60 points.
In doing so, he surpassed Kobe Bryant for the most points scored in a single March in Lakers history, finishing with over 600 points for the month.
That feat also placed him alongside Michael Jordan as one of the only players in NBA history to score 600 points in March.
MVP Eligibility Complication
However, the injury could have further ramifications.
Missing the remaining games puts Luka at risk of falling short of the NBA’s 65-game minimum required for major awards, potentially derailing his strong Most Valuable Player case.
His agent, Bill Duffy, has already moved to challenge that possibility.
“His daughter was born on December 4, on another continent, and yet he was back in the United States competing with his team on December 6,” Duffy said.
“Luka has gone to great lengths to show up for his team and this league this season… His record-breaking season deserves to be noted… despite last night’s unfortunate injury and other extraordinary circumstances.”
Duffy confirmed he will seek an “Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge” in consultation with the National Basketball Players Association and the league.
April 04, 2026, 2:22 PM IST
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