Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic will fly to Europe to seek specialized treatment for his Grade 2 left hamstring strain, his agent Bill Duffy told ESPN. The decision came after consultation with Lakers doctors following the injury suffered in Thursday's blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Doncic is motivated to return during the playoffs, sharing this goal with Austin Reaves, who is sidelined with a similar Grade 2 left oblique injury.

Both players' recoveries are critical as the Lakers face a challenging stretch without their two key guards. Coach JJ Redick emphasized the team's focus on extending the season to allow their return. The Lakers' immediate outlook was complicated by Sunday's 134-128 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, where rookie Cooper Flagg scored 45 points, including 19 in the first quarter. Despite the defeat, LeBron James posted 30 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds.

Los Angeles remains in the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference with a 50-28 record, holding the tiebreaker over the Denver Nuggets. The team's next game is Tuesday against Oklahoma City. Redick defended his decision to keep Doncic and Reaves in Thursday's game when trailing by over 30 points, stating both were medically cleared and eager to continue playing.