Lakers, Rejoice: Luka Dončić's Return Nears!

Pulse Sports Team 19:07 - 27 April 2026

The Los Angeles Lakers lead their playoff series against the Houston Rockets 3-1 and are on the brink of advancing to the next round, where Luka Dončić could potentially rejoin them.

Luka Dončić's injury just before the NBA playoffs had many predicting an early exit for the Los Angeles Lakers, especially in their first-round clash against the Houston Rockets.

However, LeBron James, Luke Kennard, and Deandre Ayton (it's worth noting Austin Reaves was also sidelined) had other plans. Despite a recent loss, the Lakers, spearheaded by 'King' James, are on the verge of advancing, holding a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Not only are they, barring a monumental upset, a step closer to the championship, but they could soon welcome back both Reaves and Dončić. American media reports indicate Austin Reaves is nearing a return to the court, and according to Lakers coach JJ Redick, Luka Dončić is also showing significant improvement.

He was previously only able to stand and shoot, but now he's started moving around the court. There's visible progress, but it's still too early to predict his exact return date.JJ Redick

The Slovenian basketball star has been out since April 2nd. In the interim, he traveled to Madrid for specialized medical treatments, which appear to have accelerated his recovery. If sports medicine doctor Jesse Morse is to be believed (and there's no reason to doubt him), all signs point to Dončić returning to action in roughly two weeks.