Luka Dončić still isn't running. That is the most important fact for the Lakers right now - and for Los Angeles, it practically means the playoffs can end without their top player. The Slovenian has been dealing with a grade 2 hamstring strain since the start of April, and there is no timeline for his return.

Lakers radio voice John Ireland confirmed there is no meaningful progress in the recovery. Dončić travelled to Europe for specialised treatment, but for now - silence and waiting. Los Angeles had been expecting a return soon. The body has clearly decided otherwise.

The Lakers' problem is concrete: in the next round they face the OKC Thunder, the reigning champions. LeBron James and Austin Reaves are carrying the team alone - and against OKC, that may not be enough. Without Dončić, the Lakers are a team that could pull an upset, but not a team that runs to the title.

Dončić is the biggest storyline of the Western playoffs this season - and not because of how he is playing, but because he is not playing. Will he be back? When? At what level? Every answer is still open, and the Lakers have to keep going without him.