The Los Angeles Lakers hoped this moment wouldn’t arrive. They did complete a comeback win over the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Austin Reaves’ electric night. However, they lost Luka Doncic, who exited with a hamstring injury in the second quarter. So far, tests and imaging are pending, keeping his future status in limbo. A doctor provided some insight into the possible recovery timeline.

Dr. Evan Jeffries, who specialises in physical therapy, couldn’t examine the injury based on Doncic’s reaction. What he could do is provide an estimate of just how good or bad it could be for the Lakers.

“He did not return in the second half and will likely have an MRI to determine the severity. If it’s just tightness, it’s day-to-day. If it’s a strain, it could be multiple weeks,” Jeffries revealed.

Luka Doncic’s reaction did raise some concerns. He was visibly frustrated with having to leave the game early. Another sign of worry is that Doncic has dealt with hamstring injuries in the past. But on a positive note, the Slovenian who earned his sixth All-Star nod walked off without any assistance. It’s not much, but it could be an indication that it isn’t anything major.

Doncic didn’t have the best outing in his limited minutes. He scored 10 points while shooting 30% from the field and failed to register a single three-pointer. However, the Don is the Lakers’ motor, facilitating and leading the league in scoring. Losing him for multiple weeks could disrupt the Lakers’ system after adding a lethal shooter in Luke Kennard at the trade deadline.

A silver lining is Austin Reaves’ seamless return. Even on a minutes restriction, the 27-year-old scored 35 points in just 25 minutes to lift the Purple and Gold to their 31 win of the season. Reaves is hoping that Luka Doncic has dodged any major ailment. However, the Lakers need to approach the situation assuming the worst. This could be the time for them to learn how to play without Doncic’s influence.

Marcus Smart calls for togetherness from the Lakers

It doesn’t need to be mentioned that the Lakers would suffer a huge blow if Luka Doncic is out for a few weeks. For everything good they have achieved this season, the juggernaut star has been at the end of it. But just relying on him will never shape the team’s will or resolve to achieve their championship aspirations this season.

Marcus Smart, a veteran, understands that his injury could actually be a blessing in disguise. The Lakers need to learn how to be successful without their stunning cornerstone.

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“If he’s going to be out, obviously it’s going to take everybody to tighten up a little more. It does help to have AR [Austin Reaves] back if that’s the case, but it’s definitely going to take a full team effort now, more than ever, if he is out for a long period of time,” the Lakers guard said after the game.

In 908 minutes without Luka Doncic, the Lakers have recorded 461 assists against 291 turnovers. The attention he attracts opens the floor for the Purple and Gold. Without his pull on defenses, playing with symphony will be key for the Lakers. LeBron James and Austin Reaves’ contributions towards stringing the offense will matter a lot if Doncic misses significant time.

It’s something the Lakers will dread facing. At the same time, the team needs to learn how to be uncomfortable and find ways to battle through adversity. If they can polish their system and camaraderie without Doncic, their confidence will grow. That being said, it will be the toughest challenge for the Purple and Gold.

They have the pillars to get through a stretch without Doncic. But the team will have to learn how to play as a unit to compensate for his absence.