Luka Doncic Responds to Critics Who Say He Should Play Through Injury

The Los Angeles Lakers have been without superstar guard Luka Doncic since he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2.

Doncic missed the Lakers’ entire first-round series win over the Houston Rockets, and Tuesday night’s Game 1 loss against the reigning-champion Thunder.

On Wednesday, Doncic reiterated that he’s progressing through an estimated eight-week return timeline. Meaning if he returns on schedule, he would miss the remainder of the Lakers’ second-round series against the Thunder - even if it goes to seven games.

There are some fans who’ve criticized Doncic’s timeline, saying the All-Star leader should be playing through his hamstring injury. Notably, wrestling legend Ric Flair went on a social media rant about this topic after the Lakers’ Game 1 loss.

When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Doncic seemingly replied to his critics.

“It’s very frustrating. I don’t think people understand how frustrating it is,” Doncic said of not being able to play. “All I want to do is play basketball, especially this time [of year]. It’s the best time to play basketball. It’s very frustrating.”

“Seeing what my team is doing, I’m very proud of them,” he continued. “But it’s been very tough just to sit and watch them play.”

The Lakers suffered a 108-90 loss against the Thunder in Game 1, and Doncic’s absence was evident in their lack of offensive production.

41-year-old NBA superstar LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with a game-high 27 points, but no other Los Angeles player scored more than 20 points. Austin Reaves, who recently returned from his Grade 2 oblique strain, struggled against OKC’s defense.

“We have a guy that averaged 37 a game [not in the lineup],” James said of Doncic’s absence after the game, via Lakers Nation. “There’s the issues right there. We’re playing against the No. 1 defensive team in the NBA, as far as the ratings and everything. And when you play against great defenses, you have to have guys that can attract multiple defenders on the floor at all times.”

Game 2 will tipoff at 9:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.

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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 3:19 PM.