Lakers Star Luka Doncic’s ‘Spooky’ Damage Shocked Thunder All-Star

[ad_1] The Los Angeles Lakers (50-27) are making ready for all times with out Luka Doncic after the All-NBA and All-Star guard suffered a hamstring damage within the third quarter in opposition to the defending champion Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (61-16) on Thursday evening.

The Thunder know precisely how that feels.

Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams missed all however two video games in February and most of March with a hamstring damage.

Williams was guarding Doncic when Doncic abruptly pulled up and grabbed his left hamstring earlier than hobbling to the baseline. Doncic left the sport in seen ache and didn't return. The Thunder received, 139-96.

After the sport, Williams advised reporters, "First, I really feel actually dangerous for him. It's extremely spooky, in a approach, to see it occur to him, and I am the one guarding him. So, that was a bizarre play."

<img id="11780100" alt="" caption="OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - APRIL 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts from the floor after a play during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on April 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)" credit="" sourcealt="" sources="[]" fetchpriority="auto" loading="lazy" width="6255" height="4170" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" src="color:transparent;aspect-ratio:inherit;object-fit:cover" sizes="(min-width: 1200px) 1536px, (min-width: 768px) 768px, 100vw" srcset="https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-2268966069.jpg?w=640&quality=80&webp=1 640w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-2268966069.jpg?w=750&quality=80&webp=1 750w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-2268966069.jpg?w=1000&quality=80&webp=1 1000w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-2268966069.jpg?w=1200&quality=80&webp=1 1200w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-2268966069.jpg?w=1360&quality=80&webp=1 1360w, https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-2268966069.jpg?w=1600&quality=80&webp=1 1600w" bad-src="https://assets.newsweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GettyImages-2268966069.jpg?w=1600&quality=80&webp=1"/> Williams continued, "I did not even wish to take off. I feel he misplaced the ball. I may have taken off with the ball. I attempted to let it exit of bounds and provides them time to determine it out, simply because that damage sucks. I want him a speedy restoration."

ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported that Doncic "will bear an MRI on Friday to find out the extent of his left hamstring damage," and the Lakers are "presumably dropping Luka Doncic for a time period."

As of this writing, the Lakers haven't confirmed a analysis or timetable for Doncic.

The Lakers haven't got a lot time to brace for affect. There are solely 5 regular-season video games left earlier than the NBA playoffs begin on April 18.

Doncic is averaging 33.5 factors per sport and is predicted to gather his second profession NBA scoring title as soon as the season ends.

Doncic simply accomplished a spectacular March — matching data held by the late Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. The 27-year-old additionally turned the third-youngest participant to eclipse 15,000 profession factors in a win over Cleveland on Tuesday.

The Lakers went 15-2 in March, together with a nine-game profitable streak, however dropping Doncic for any time period this near the playoffs would render all of it a wash.