Luka Doncic Exits With Hamstring Injury As Lakers Blow 43-Point Lead to Thunder

Doncic exited early with a strained left hamstring and was ruled out.

“When you injure yourself on your own, it's never a good sign, and when you grab the back of your thigh and grimace on the floor, it's even worse”

Basket USA

The injury occurred with 7:39 remaining in the third quarter of a blowout.

Basket USA

He had tweaked the hamstring late in the first half and was cleared to continue.

He hurt it again after planting his left leg while dribbling.

LeBron James said it was the last thing you want to see.

The 139-96 loss was one of the worst in Lakers history.

The Thunder forced 18 turnovers and converted them into 24 points.

BasketSession

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 28 points.

The loss ended a Lakers run of winning 13 of 14 games.

The strain was on the same hamstring that had caused Doncic to miss games in February.

“JJ Redick Explains Playing Luka Doncic Before Injury in Lakers' Blowout Loss to Thunder Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić appeared to be grabbing his hamstring before the start of the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, but he proceeded to play in the third quarter”

Bleacher Report

The team described it as a strain rather than a tear.

Redick emphasized caution to avoid a longer absence.

Doncic had delivered elite production when healthy.

The injury timing is challenging with five games remaining.

The Lakers were trying to cement the third seed.

ESPN

How long Doncic is sidelined will impact postseason prospects.

LeBron called Doncic an MVP candidate.