Hamstring strain, out of the game! Luka Doncic was destined to be injured before the game, and Redick already knew.

During the third quarter of today's Lakers vs. Thunder game, Luka Doncic suffered a hamstring strain during a drive and subsequently left the game.

Actually, before today's game, Doncic had discomfort in his left hamstring, and team doctors were continuously massaging it.

Lakers head coach Redick stated that he knew Doncic had a hamstring issue before the game; he insisted on letting him play because after examination, the medical team believed Doncic was fine. However, it was unexpected that he still got injured, purely an accident.

When asked why the decision was made to let Doncic play in the second half despite his hamstring discomfort in the first half, Redick explained: "We examined him and completed treatment, but medical clearance had been granted. We would never risk a player's health. Such situations happen occasionally."

When asked whether he considered resting Doncic and Reaves, who had obvious collision injuries, in the second half, Redick said: "We discussed it during halftime. The original plan was to let these players play for about six minutes, and if the deficit wasn't reduced, we would substitute them. Obviously, Doncic's injury occurred during that period—I don't recall the exact time."

At halftime, the Lakers trailed by as much as 31 points. Doncic suffered the injury with 7:39 remaining in the third quarter.

Sports medicine expert Evan Jeffries indicated that the location of Doncic's injury is the same as the hamstring area where he was injured earlier this season. If Doncic is diagnosed with a hamstring strain, recovery time will depend on the severity:

Grade 1 strain: 1-2 weeks
Grade 2 strain: 3-6 weeks

The NBA playoffs first round begins on April 19, which is 16 days later. If Doncic is confirmed with a Grade 1 strain, he could make it to the playoffs. If it's a Grade 2 strain severe enough to require 6 weeks of rest, he likely would miss the playoffs.

After all, 6 weeks later would be around the time of the Western Conference Finals. Without Doncic, the Lakers would struggle to advance past the first round, let reach the conference finals.

Today was Doncic's 64th regular-season game this season. If he cannot play in the final 5 regular-season games, he will also be ineligible for NBA award评选.

Of course, these awards are secondary; the most important thing is Doncic's health. He will undergo an MRI scan on Friday local time, tomorrow, hoping for a positive outcome.