Luka Doncic was compelled to go away the Los Angeles Lakers heavy defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder after struggling a left hamstring pressure.
The damage occurred through the third quarter of a one-sided 139-96 loss, with Doncic visibly in discomfort earlier than being helped off the court docket. He’ll endure an MRI to evaluate the severity of the difficulty.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick confirmed the preliminary analysis after the sport, whereas teammate LeBron James expressed his concern over the timing of the setback.
“At this level, at this juncture of the season, it’s the very last thing you wish to see,” James mentioned. “When you have got an MVP candidate in your staff, the very last thing you wish to see is any individual go down with a hamstring damage. So, pray for one of the best, for certain, and a speedy restoration.”
MVP implications
Doncic initially appeared to tweak the hamstring late within the first half earlier than aggravating it within the third quarter, finally leaving the sport with 12 factors, seven assists and 6 turnovers in a troublesome outing.
The defeat additionally carried wider implications. With simply 5 regular-season video games remaining, the damage might affect Doncic’s eligibility for the NBA’s end-of-season awards, together with the MVP race, the place he has been competing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Gamers should characteristic in at the least 65 video games to qualify, and Doncic’s look on this match introduced him to 64 for the season, leaving little margin for additional absence.
Regardless of the setback, Los Angeles have already secured a postseason place, giving Doncic a window to get better if the damage proves short-term.
