LOS ANGELES \u2014 Luka Don\u010di\u0107 returned to practice with the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday after coming back from Spain last week, marking an encouraging step in his recovery from a hamstring strain.<\/p>\n
Though Don\u010di\u0107 remains sidelined, his return to the practice facility was a welcomed sight for the Lakers as they prepare for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets<\/a>.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Head coach JJ Redick<\/a> said having Don\u010di\u0107 back around the team has already made a difference, even though he has not yet returned to full participation.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been really nice,\u201d Redick said. \u201cHe definitely rebounded and passed on some shooting drills. \u2026 Having the group together two out of the last three days has been really nice.\u201d<\/p>\n While Don\u010di\u0107 was limited in what he could do on the floor, his presence brought energy back to the group. Forward Rui Hachimura<\/a> said the team missed Don\u010di\u0107 not only for what he brings on the court but also for his personality off of it.<\/p>\n \u201cI think people don’t know how much impact that Luka has not just on the court but off the court,\u201d Hachimura said. \u201cWe’re happy that he’s back finally. And he’s doing funny things like always… we miss him.\u201d<\/p>\n Don\u010di\u0107\u2019s absence has forced the Lakers to rely on depth early in the postseason, but the team responded well in Game 1 behind an electric Lakers playoff debut from Luke Kennard<\/a>. Kennard has filled in at the point guard role for Don\u010di\u0107, helping lift the Lakers to a 107-98 win in Game 1 behind a playoff career-high 27 points on a perfect five-for-five shooting.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n