Luka Doncic Spotted at Lakers Practice Ahead of Game 2 vs Rockets

Back on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Los Angeles Lakers lost both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to injuries.

Doncic was diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, while Reaves suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain. Both injuries are expected to sideline them for most of the first round of the playoffs, which began Saturday night.

The Lakers secured an impressive 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets to take a 1-0 series lead heading into Game 2 on Tuesday.

While Doncic and Reaves are still unlikely to play, there was some encouraging news out of Los Angeles. Doncic was spotted at practice for the first time since the injury, with Reaves also present and getting up shots at the free-throw line.

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JJ Redick, head coach of the Lakers, spoke about having Doncic back at practice on Monday.

"It's been really nice. He definitely rebounded and passed on some shooting drills," Redick said. "Having the group together two out of the last three days has been really nice."

The original timetable for both players was roughly a month, which would put a potential return in early May - possibly toward the end of the series against the Houston Rockets if it extends to six or seven games.

However, Doncic elected to travel to Spain to undergo a series of injections in his hamstring in an effort to expedite his recovery. While there is limited information on the effectiveness of that treatment, his return to the U.S. - along with being on the bench Saturday and now back at practice - are all encouraging signs regarding his rehab process.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 6:55 PM.