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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick gives instructions to guard Luka Doncic.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> coach JJ Redick<\/a> addressed criticism following Luka Doncic<\/a>\u2019s injury during Thursday\u2019s loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a>, explaining the decision to keep the star guard in the game despite signs of discomfort earlier in the night.<\/p>\n Doncic exited with 7:39 remaining in the third quarter with a strained left hamstring after appearing to aggravate the injury. He had been seen grabbing at the same area late in the first half and received treatment during halftime<\/a> before returning to start the third quarter.<\/p>\n Redick said the decision to allow Doncic to continue was made after evaluation by the team\u2019s medical staff.<\/p>\n \u201cWe checked him out. He got work done. He was cleared,\u201d Redick said<\/a>. \u201cAgain, we\u2019re not going to put a player at risk. Those things happen.\u201d<\/p>\n Redick Outlines Halftime Plan<\/p>\n Redick said the situation was discussed at halftime, with a plan to monitor playing time depending on whether the Lakers could close the gap.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was discussed at halftime,\u201d Redick said. \u201cWe thought we\u2019d give those guys about six minutes and then we were going to \u2014 if we didn\u2019t cut into the lead \u2014 we were going to pull them.\u201d<\/p>\n The Lakers were unable to mount a comeback.<\/p>\n Oklahoma City led 82-51 at halftime, falling one point short of the franchise\u2019s regular-season record for points in a half. The margin reflected how quickly the game had tilted, leaving Los Angeles facing a significant deficit entering the second half.<\/p>\n Doncic returned to the floor but lasted only a few minutes before appearing to aggravate the injury midway through the third quarter. He went down after planting his left leg while dribbling, remained on the floor briefly and then walked off under his own power.<\/p>\n JJ Redick Blamed for Luka Injury<\/p>\n The circumstances surrounding the injury have drawn attention, particularly given the score at the time.<\/p>\n With the game already out of reach, some observers questioned whether the Lakers should have taken a more cautious approach with their leading scorer.<\/p>\n Lake Show Life\u2019s Tyler Watts<\/a> pinned the blame on Redick for leaving Doncic in the game, which led to the injury worsening, arguing, \u201cThere was no reason to keep him in.\u201d<\/p>\n The reaction reflects broader concern about Doncic\u2019s availability as the regular season winds down and the playoffs approach.<\/p>\n Luka\u2019s Return Impacts Lakers Playoff Outlook<\/p>\n The potential impact of the injury extends beyond a single game.<\/p>\n According to sports injury expert Jeff Stotts<\/a>, the average recovery time<\/a> for a hamstring strain in the NBA this season has been approximately 22 days \u2014 or about nine games. The Lakers have five games remaining in the regular season.<\/p>\n That timeline suggests Doncic could miss the remainder of the regular season, depending on the severity of the injury, which will be determined by further evaluation.<\/p>\n Los Angeles has already secured a playoff spot, which provides additional time for recovery before the postseason begins. However, the timing introduces uncertainty for a team that had been building momentum in recent weeks.<\/p>\n The Lakers have gone 7-6 without Doncic this season, a mark that underscores both their ability to remain competitive and the significance of his presence on the court.<\/p>\n For now, the organization is awaiting further clarity following additional testing, with the focus shifting to Doncic\u2019s recovery and how his availability could shape the team\u2019s postseason outlook.<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tAlder Almo<\/a> is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Lakers\n\t\t<\/p>\n \n\t\t\t\tLoading more stories\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t