Luka Doncic says hamstring injury he played through cost Los Angeles Lakers a championship chance

Luka Doncic, star guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, has publicly stated that he regrets playing through a hamstring injury during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2, 2026. He felt discomfort in the first half but continued, suffering a Grade 2 strain that forced him to miss the playoffs. The Lakers, who were championship contenders, were eliminated in the first round. Doncic has since recovered and returned to preseason play on October 5, scoring 21 points in 16 minutes. He has also taken on more leadership responsibility as the team enters a new season without LeBron James.