Trending Now - Luka Doncic Sidelined for Remainder of Lakers' Season Due to Injury
WHO:
CNN - Luka Doncic, NBA's top scorer, plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.
BBC - Bill Duffy, Doncic's agent.
WHAT:
CNN - Doncic is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring.
CNN - Doncic scored 600 points in March 2026, becoming only the third player in NBA history to achieve that in a single month.
NBC Sports - Austin Reaves has suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain and is out for the remainder of the regular season.
NBC Sports - Reaves is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, which would likely keep him out for the start of the playoffs.
NBC Sports - Doncic is expected to be sidelined for approximately one month due to the Grade 2 hamstring strain.
NBC Sports - Doncic's injury occurred during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 4th, 2026, where he lasted only about four minutes after being cleared to return.
Newsweek - Doncic's injury is expected to eliminate his growing MVP case and potentially his eligibility for postseason awards.
Newsweek - Doncic had the Lakers at a record of 15 wins and 2 losses before the game against the Thunder.
CNN - Doncic scored a total of 600 points in March 2026, becoming only the 10th player in NBA history to achieve that in one month.
CNN - Doncic was named the NBA’s Western Conference player of the month for March 2026 after achieving 13 consecutive 30-point performances, including seven 40-point games, a 51-point game against Chicago, and a 60-point game in Miami.
CNN - Doncic's absence has led to a significant drop in the Lakers' championship odds.
CNN - The Lakers have five games remaining in the regular season, starting on Sunday, April 9th, 2026, against Dallas.
CNN - Doncic's injury has raised concerns about the Lakers' ability to maintain their playoff seeding, as they only lead fourth-place Denver by one game.
CNN - Doncic missed one game last week due to suspension for accumulating 16 technical fouls.
CNN - Doncic is averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game.
BBC - Doncic has scored 2,143 points this season, leading the NBA in scoring.
CNN - Doncic is expected to win his second NBA scoring title despite being one game shy of the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility.
CNN - Doncic's injury occurred during a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading to the MRI that revealed the strain.
BBC - Doncic's agent stated the intention to apply for an "Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge" to the 65-game rule due to Doncic's historic performance and circumstances surrounding his absences.
CNN - An MRI exam was conducted to assess the severity of Doncic's hamstring strain.
CNN - Doncic is expected to miss approximately one month due to the Grade 2 hamstring strain.
CNN - Doncic's injury occurred during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 4th, 2026, where he lasted only about four minutes after being cleared to return.
CNN - Doncic scored or assisted on 58% of the Lakers' total points in March 2026.
CNN - Doncic has played in 64 games this season, one game shy of the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility.
BBC - Doncic's agent, Bill Duffy, stated, "To ensure Luka's incredible accomplishments this season are rightly honoured and he can be considered for the league's end-of-season awards, we intend to apply for an 'Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge' to the 65-game rule."
CNN - Doncic was named the NBA’s Western Conference player of the month for March 2026 after achieving 13 consecutive 30-point performances, including seven 40-point games, a 51-point game against Chicago, and a 60-point game in Miami.
CNN - Doncic scored a total of 600 points in March 2026, becoming only the 10th player in NBA history to achieve that in one month.
CNN - The Lakers have a record of 50 wins and 27 losses as of April 3rd, 2026.
CNN - The Lakers' regular-season finale is scheduled for Sunday, April 12th, 2026, against Utah.
CNN - Doncic was cleared to return to the game against the Thunder but lasted only about four minutes before leaving due to injury.
CNN - Doncic scored or assisted on 58% of the Lakers' total points in March 2026.
CNN - Doncic is expected to win his second NBA scoring title despite being one game shy of the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility.
CNN - Doncic missed one game last week due to suspension for accumulating 16 technical fouls.
CNN - Luka Doncic will miss the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers’ regular season due to a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring.
CNN - Doncic is averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game.
BBC - Doncic has scored 2,143 points this season, leading the NBA in scoring.
CNN - Doncic scored 600 points in March 2026, becoming only the 10th player in NBA history to achieve that in one month.
CNN - Doncic was named the NBA’s Western Conference player of the month for March 2026.
CNN - Doncic has played in 64 games this season, one game shy of the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility.
NBC Sports - Austin Reaves has suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain and is out for the remainder of the regular season.
NBC Sports - Reaves is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, which would likely keep him out for the start of the playoffs.
Newsweek - Doncic's injury is expected to eliminate his growing MVP case and potentially his eligibility for postseason awards.
Newsweek - Doncic had the Lakers at a record of 15 wins and 2 losses before the game against the Thunder.
CNN - Doncic is expected to miss approximately one month due to the Grade 2 hamstring strain.
CNN - Doncic's injury occurred during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 4th, 2026, where he lasted only about four minutes after being cleared to return.
CNN - Doncic scored a total of 600 points in March 2026, becoming only the 10th player in NBA history to achieve that in one month.
CNN - Doncic was named the NBA’s Western Conference player of the month for March 2026 after achieving 13 consecutive 30-point performances, including seven 40-point games, a 51-point game against Chicago, and a 60-point game in Miami.
CNN - Doncic's absence has led to a significant drop in the Lakers' championship odds.
CNN - The Lakers have five games remaining in the regular season, starting on Sunday, April 9th, 2026, against Dallas.
CNN - Doncic's injury has raised concerns about the Lakers' ability to maintain their playoff seeding, as they only lead fourth-place Denver by one game.
CNN - Doncic missed one game last week due to suspension for accumulating 16 technical fouls.
CNN - Doncic is averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game.
BBC - Doncic has scored 2,143 points this season, leading the NBA in scoring.
CNN - Doncic is expected to win his second NBA scoring title despite being one game shy of the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility.
CNN - Doncic's injury occurred during a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading to the MRI that revealed the strain.
BBC - Doncic's agent stated the intention to apply for an "Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge" to the 65-game rule due to Doncic's historic performance and circumstances surrounding his absences.
CNN - Doncic's injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks, which could impact his eligibility for postseason awards.
CNN - An MRI exam was conducted to assess the severity of Doncic's hamstring strain.
CNN - Doncic is expected to miss approximately one month due to the Grade 2 hamstring strain.
CNN - Doncic's injury occurred during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 4th, 2026, where he lasted only about four minutes after being cleared to return.
CNN - Doncic scored or assisted on 58% of the Lakers' total points in March 2026.
CNN - Doncic has played in 64 games this season, one game shy of the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility.
BBC - Doncic's agent, Bill Duffy, stated, "To ensure Luka's incredible accomplishments this season are rightly honoured and he can be considered for the league's end-of-season awards, we intend to apply for an 'Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge' to the 65-game rule."
CNN - Doncic is expected to be sidelined for approximately one month due to the Grade 2 hamstring strain.
CNN - The Lakers have five games remaining in the regular season, starting on Sunday, April 9th, 2026, against Dallas.
CNN - Doncic's absence has led to a significant drop in the Lakers' championship odds.
CNN - Doncic's injury occurred during the first half of the game against the Thunder on April 4th, 2026.
CNN - Doncic's injury has raised concerns about the Lakers' ability to maintain their playoff seeding, as they only lead fourth-place Denver by one game.
CNN - Doncic was named the NBA’s Western Conference player of the month for March 2026 after achieving 13 consecutive 30-point performances, including seven 40-point games, a 51-point game against Chicago, and a 60-point game in Miami.
CNN - Doncic scored a total of 600 points in March 2026, becoming only the third player in NBA history to achieve at least 600 points in a single month.
CNN - The Lakers have a record of 50 wins and 27 losses as of April 3rd, 2026.
CNN - The Lakers' regular-season finale is scheduled for Sunday, April 12th, 2026, against Utah.
CNN - Doncic was cleared to return to the game against the Thunder but lasted only about four minutes before leaving due to injury.
CNN - Doncic scored or assisted on 58% of the Lakers' total points in March 2026.
CNN - Doncic is expected to win his second NBA scoring title despite being one game shy of the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility.
CNN - Doncic missed one game last week due to suspension for accumulating 16 technical fouls.
CNN - Luka Doncic will miss the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers’ regular season due to a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring.
CNN - Doncic is averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game.
BBC - Doncic has scored 2,143 points this season, leading the NBA in scoring.
CNN - Doncic scored 600 points in March 2026, becoming only the 10th player in NBA history to achieve that in one month.
CNN - Doncic was named the NBA’s Western Conference player of the month for March 2026.
CNN - Doncic has played in 64 games this season, one game shy of the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility.
WHERE:
CNN - The injury occurred during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
CNN - The Lakers are based in Los Angeles, California.
CNN - The injury occurred during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
CNN - The Lakers are based in Los Angeles, California.
WHEN:
CNN - The Lakers' regular-season finale is scheduled for Sunday, April 12th, 2026, against Utah.
CNN - The injury was announced on Friday, April 3rd, 2026.
CNN - The Lakers' regular-season finale is scheduled for Sunday, April 12th, 2026.
CNN - Doncic missed four games prior to the All-Star break in February 2026 due to a left hamstring strain.
BBC - Doncic missed two games in December 2025 for the birth of his daughter.
CNN - The injury was announced on Friday, April 3rd, 2026.
CNN - The Lakers' regular-season finale is scheduled for Sunday, April 12th, 2026.
CNN - Doncic missed four games prior to the All-Star break in February 2026 due to a left hamstring strain.
BBC - Doncic missed two games in December 2025 for the birth of his daughter.
WHY:
CNN - Lakers coach JJ Redick stated that Doncic was cleared to return to the game against the Thunder but was injured shortly after re-entering.
CNN - Lakers coach JJ Redick stated that Doncic was cleared to return to the game against the Thunder but was injured shortly after re-entering.
BBC - Bill Duffy stated, "This season, Luka Doncic has performed at a historic level, leading the league in scoring, carrying the Lakers to third place in the Western Conference and placing himself in the middle of one of the most tightly contested MVP races in memory."
CNN - Doncic's injury occurred during a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading to the MRI that revealed the strain.
BBC - Doncic's agent stated the intention to apply for an "Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge" to the 65-game rule due to Doncic's historic performance and circumstances surrounding his absences.
CNN - Lakers coach JJ Redick stated that Doncic was cleared to return to the game against the Thunder but was injured shortly after re-entering.
BBC - Bill Duffy stated, "This season, Luka Doncic has performed at a historic level, leading the league in scoring, carrying the Lakers to third place in the Western Conference and placing himself in the middle of one of the most tightly contested MVP races in memory."
CNN - Lakers coach JJ Redick stated that Doncic was cleared to return to the game against the Thunder but was injured shortly after re-entering.
BBC - Bill Duffy stated, "This season, Luka Doncic has performed at a historic level, leading the league in scoring, carrying the Lakers to third place in the Western Conference and placing himself in the middle of one of the most tightly contested MVP races in memory."
BBC - Bill Duffy stated that Doncic's performance this season has placed him in the middle of a tightly contested MVP race.
CNN - Doncic's injury occurred during a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, leading to the MRI that revealed the strain.
BBC - Doncic's agent stated the intention to apply for an "Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge" to the 65-game rule due to Doncic's historic performance and circumstances surrounding his absences.
HOW:
Newsweek - A source close to Doncic stated he is "laser-focused on his recovery" despite being upset about the injury.
CNN - Doncic is reportedly "laser-focused on his recovery" despite being upset about the injury, according to a source close to him.
CNN - Doncic's injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks, which could impact his eligibility for postseason awards.
CNN - The Lakers' championship odds have significantly decreased following the injury update on Doncic.
CNN - An MRI exam was conducted to assess the severity of Doncic's hamstring strain.
Newsweek - A source close to Doncic stated he is "laser-focused on his recovery" despite being upset about the injury.
CNN - Doncic is reportedly "laser-focused on his recovery" despite being upset about the injury, according to a source close to him.
CNN - Doncic's injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks, which could impact his eligibility for postseason awards.
CNN - The Lakers' championship odds have significantly decreased following the injury update on Doncic.
CNN - An MRI exam was conducted to assess the severity of Doncic's hamstring strain.
(UPDATED April 5, 2026 09:05 UTC)
Luka Doncic is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season due to a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring, despite scoring an impressive 600 points in March 20th26, making him only the third player in NBA history to reach that milestone in a single month. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves has also suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain and will be out for the rest of the season, likely missing the start of the playoffs, as he is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. The Lakers' regular-season finale is set for April 12th, against Utah, and coach JJ Redick noted that Doncic was cleared to return against the Thunder but was injured shortly after coming back into the game.
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(UPDATED April 5, 2026 07:16 UTC)
Luka Doncic will miss approximately one month due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain he sustained during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, where he lasted only four minutes after being cleared to return. This injury is expected to eliminate his growing MVP case and could impact his eligibility for postseason awards, as he is currently one game shy of the 65-game threshold needed for consideration. Doncic has had an impressive season, leading the NBA in scoring with 2,143 points and averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game, but his absence raises concerns for the Lakers as they fight to maintain their playoff seeding.
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(UPDATED April 5, 2026 05:29 UTC)
Austin Reaves has suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain and will miss the remainder of the regular season, with an expected recovery time of four to six weeks that could keep him out for the start of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic's injury is likely to hinder his MVP candidacy and may affect his eligibility for postseason awards, despite leading the Lakers to an impressive record of 15 wins and 2 losses before facing the Thunder. A source close to Doncic mentioned that he is "laser-focused on his recovery," even though he is understandably upset about the situation.
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(UPDATED April 5, 2026 03:52 UTC)
Luka Doncic is expected to miss about one month due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain he suffered during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, where he played just four minutes after returning from a previous suspension. Despite this setback, Doncic had an impressive March, scoring 600 points and earning the NBA’s Western Conference player of the month title, but his absence raises concerns for the Lakers as they fight to maintain their playoff seeding with only five games left in the regular season. Doncic's agent plans to apply for an "Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge" regarding the 65-game eligibility rule for postseason awards, as he leads the league in scoring with 2,143 points this season.
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(UPDATED April 5, 2026 01:18 UTC)
Luka Doncic is expected to miss about one month due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain he suffered during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, where he played only four minutes after being cleared to return. Doncic has had an impressive season, scoring or assisting on 58% of the Lakers' total points in March and playing in 64 games, just one shy of the 65-game threshold for postseason awards eligibility. His agent, Bill Duffy, announced plans to apply for an "Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge" to the 65-game rule, emphasizing Doncic's historic performance and his significant role in leading the Lakers to third place in the Western Conference.
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(UPDATED April 4, 2026 23:01 UTC)
Luka Doncic is expected to be sidelined for about one month due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain he suffered during the first half of the game against the Thunder on Saturday. His absence has raised concerns for the Lakers, who have five games remaining in the regular season, starting on Sunday against Dallas, as they only lead fourth-place Denver by one game in the playoff standings. Despite his disappointment, Doncic is reportedly "laser-focused on his recovery," according to a source close to him.
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(UPDATED April 4, 2026 21:02 UTC)
Luka Doncic has been named the NBA's Western Conference player of the month for March 20th26, after an impressive streak of 13 consecutive 30-point performances, including a remarkable 60-point game in Miami. He scored a total of 600 points during the month, making him only the third player in NBA history to reach that milestone in a single month. Meanwhile, the Lakers hold a record of 50 wins and 27 losses as of on Friday, and their regular-season finale is set for Sunday, April 12th, against Utah, although Doncic's recent injury may affect his postseason eligibility.
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(UPDATED April 4, 2026 17:05 UTC)
Luka Doncic was cleared to return to the game against the Thunder but unfortunately lasted only about four minutes before leaving due to injury. Despite scoring or assisting on 58% of the Lakers' total points in March 20th26 and being expected to win his second NBA scoring title, Doncic missed one game last week due to suspension for accumulating 16 technical fouls. Following this injury update, the Lakers' championship odds have significantly decreased, as noted by Bill Duffy, who mentioned that Doncic's performance has placed him in the middle of a tightly contested MVP race.
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(UPDATED April 4, 2026 15:04 UTC)
Luka Doncic, the NBA's top scorer who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers, will miss the remainder of the regular season due to a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring, which was revealed after an MRI following a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This season, Doncic has averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds per game, leading the league with 2,143 total points and becoming only the 10th player in NBA history to score 600 points in a single month. His agent, Bill Duffy, plans to apply for an "Extraordinary Circumstances Challenge" to the 65-game eligibility rule for postseason awards, citing Doncic's remarkable performance and the circumstances surrounding his previous absences.