Why Luka Doncic is going to Europe to seek treatment for hamstring injury originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Lakers aren’t quite in free-fall yet. But they’re close, seeing stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves land in the treatment room for injuries to their hamstring and oblique, respectively.
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With Doncic and Reaves on the mend, Los Angeles’ postseason prospects look uninspiring. The Lakers struggled mightily in Sunday’s loss to the Mavericks, falling behind by as many as 22. With higher-level competition on the horizon in the playoffs, Los Angeles is hoping to get its All-Star-caliber talent in time to mount a serious challenge in the Western Conference.
Doncic is creative in his recovery, jet-setting for Europe in search of a more aggressive form of treatment that will see him return to the floor far sooner than a Grade 2 hamstring strain typically accommodates.
With that, here’s what you need to know about Doncic’s travels.
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Why Luka Doncic is going to Europe for hamstring treatment
Doncic is looking to accelerate his recovery timeline. His impending travels to Europe figure to aid in his efforts. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin and Shams Charania reported that Doncic consulted Lakers doctors and his own medical team before making the decision.
Grade 2 hamstring strains like Doncic’s typically take around a month to heal. Doncic is motivated to return earlier, according to Lakers coach JJ Redick.
Los Angeles implemented new-look lineups in its first game back since Doncic and Reaves went down, falling to the lowly Mavericks, 134-128. The Lakers trailed by as many as 22 in the contest and were unable to blight Cooper Flagg’s scoring prowess. Los Angeles’ starting lineup — LeBron James, Luke Kennard, DeAndre Ayton, Rui Hachimura and Jake LaRavia — had not played together this season prior to Sunday’s outing.
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MORE: How Luka Doncic’s injury impacts Lakers playoff chances, NBA MVP odds
“Obviously, we ran some lineups that they haven’t seen all year,” Kennard told reporters postgame.
Grade 2 hamstring strain recovery timeline
Grade 2 hamstring strains typically involve a 3-6 week recovery process, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Doctors may employ a host of methods to remedy the issue. Some of those tactics are as follows:
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The MEAT Method: Movement, Exercise, Analgesia and Therapy
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The RICE Method: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation
MORE: How Doncic injury impacts Lakers playoff picture, NBA MVP race and more
