Luka Doncic Hamstring Injury Rocks Lakers Playoff Hopes

Merlin sees Luka Dončić grab his hamstring before the second half, return to play, then leave with a left hamstring injury. Coach JJ Redick said "We checked him out. He got work done, but he was cleared," and that sitting Dončić and Austin Reaves had been discussed. An MRI is set for Friday with five regular season games left, and the Lakers’ playoff outlook depends on his health. Merlin notes the risk was obvious. Los Angeles trailed 82-51, so Redick called on his stars in a gamble that now may cost the team. If the MRI is minor Luka could return quickly, but a true hamstring issue would push LeBron and Austin Reaves into heavy duty and reshape L.A.’s postseason path.