The Los Angeles Lakers received important news ahead of the start of the 2026-27 season. Luka Doncic confirmed this Monday that he is fully recovered and ready to face his third year with the Los Angeles franchise, a campaign in which he will assume leadership of the sports project.
The Slovenian's statement comes several months after the injury that left him out of the 2026 playoffs. Doncic suffered a grade 2 strain in his left hamstring on April 2 and was unable to participate in the Lakers' elimination against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
The return to basketball activities occurred on May 28, a little more than two weeks after the team's postseason farewell, as reported by ESPN.
The point guard's health had been one of the main topics surrounding his figure in recent seasons. In the two previous seasons he played only 114 of the 164 possible regular season games, a figure that fueled doubts about his availability.
Despite this, every time he was on the court he maintained an elite offensive level.
A dominant offensive performance when available
Doncic closed the 2025-26 campaign with the second scoring title of his career. He averaged 33.5 points per game, the best mark in the NBA, in addition to 8.3 assists, 7.7 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.
His shooting percentages were 47.6% on field goals, 36.6% on three-pointers and 78.0% on free throws.
The Slovenian's offensive impact was also reflected in the collective performance of Los Angeles. With him on the court, the Lakers recorded an offensive rating of 119.4 points per 100 possessions. When he rested, that figure dropped to 111.9, according to official NBA data.
That difference underscored the team's offensive dependence on its main star.
New scenario without LeBron James
Next season will present a different context for the organization. The Lakers will face the course without LeBron James, who left for the Philadelphia 76ers, and with Doncic as the main reference of the project.
The franchise arrives with high expectations and will seek to secure its fifth consecutive playoff berth.
The complete recovery of the Slovenian acquires a special value within that objective. After missing the postseason due to injury, the player assured that he is able to start the campaign without physical limitations.
With Doncic healthy, Los Angeles will try to maintain the offensive level it showed when he was available and compete again in the Western Conference in a season marked by the beginning of a new stage for the franchise.
