Luka Doncic is officially out for Game 2 of the series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Diagnosis: a strained hamstring, grade two. This is the eighth playoff game in which the Slovenian is sitting out.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick doesn't want to rush the return. „It's very simple. When he's ready to play, he'll play. That comes with the player's own confidence", Redick said. Translation from coach-speak into human: don't expect him soon.

Doncic reveals that doctors initially gave him an eight-week window. „Every day I'm doing everything I need to. Recovering, working. As the doctors said - eight weeks. I take it day by day, and every day I feel better." He has started running, but still hasn't been cleared for full contact.

The Balkan note: Doncic has gone to Spain for PRP therapy (platelet-rich plasma injections). „Spain is one of the best countries for it. We consulted with the Lakers' doctors, and everyone agreed." When one of the NBA's biggest stars goes to Europe for treatment, that says something about European medicine too.

The Lakers already lost Game 1, 108:90, to the top-seeded Thunder. Without Doncic, they could lose the series - and possibly part of the Conference Finals, if they even get there.

Game 2 is again in Oklahoma City. Beyond Doncic, in doubt are Jarred Vanderbilt (a finger injury) and Luke Kennard (a neck injury). The Lakers go into this game with a broken rotation and slim hopes of evening the series.