Luka Doncic scheduled for MRI tomorrow! Must play one more game to qualify for awards; this season's hamstring injuries average 9-game absence.

On April 3 Beijing time, this game, which was supposed to be a head-to-head showdown between MVP candidates, ended in the Lakers' most brutal fashion: the Lakers suffered a 96-139 crushing defeat. More seriously, Doncic injured his left hamstring midway through the third quarter and limped off the court. According to league sources informed to The Athletic, Doncic will undergo an MRI tomorrow to determine the severity of the injury.

At that time, with 7:39 remaining in the game, the Lakers trailed heavily at 58-90. Doncic landed awkwardly after driving against Thunder's Jalen Williams and suddenly began limping. He immediately shifted weight off his left leg and then collapsed near the baseline.

The Lakers called a timeout, and Doncic limped back to the backcourt. His reaction was clearly abnormal; he casually tossed the ball behind him out of bounds, directly giving up possession. According to Redick's post-game revelation, Doncic had strained his hamstring earlier in the first half but was allowed to return after diagnosis and treatment.

The Lakers trailed by at least 30 points for most of the game, starting with a disastrous collapse and frequently committing turnovers under the Thunder's high-pressure defense. Doncic, who had just been named Western Conference Player of the Month for March earlier that day, delivered one of his worst performances in weeks. Before exiting, he played 25 minutes, shooting only 3-for-10 with 6 turnovers. In fact, late in the first half, after jumping to pass to Kennard, he had already begun holding his hamstring indicating discomfort.

Before Doncic's injury exit in the second half, teammate Reeves had already returned to the locker room once during the first half. Reeves himself was carrying multiple minor injuries; after contesting a rebound, he began clutching his left side, clearly uncomfortable. He persisted for several more minutes before heading to the locker room in the first quarter. He returned midway through the second quarter but did not come back after the Lakers were completely blown out in the third.

Injury specialist Stotts stated: Regarding Doncic's hamstring injury, many details remain to be confirmed, but this incident has significant implications. This season in the NBA, for hamstring strains without clear grading, players average an absence of about 22 days (approximately 9 games), far higher than the historical average — previously typically 12.1 days (about 5 games).

Today marks Doncic's 64th game played this season. NBA rules require players to participate in at least 65 games to qualify for postseason awards. Therefore, Doncic must play at least one more game in the Lakers' remaining five games to retain eligibility for MVP and All-NBA Team selection. (Doncic previously received his 16th technical foul, resulting in a suspension, missing the Lakers' Tuesday win against the Wizards.)

Doncic had already missed four consecutive games due to a left hamstring injury before the All-Star break. Since then, he played 21 of the Lakers' 22 games (missing only one due to suspension), averaging 25 shots per game, scoring 38.1 points, and delivering 7.8 assists. His usage rate reached 38.1%, leading the league and marking a career high.

The Lakers' next game will be on Monday away against the Mavericks, which is also Doncic's former team.