Luka Doni says he 'definitely' regrets playing through hamstring injury that ended his season
Before this dynamic duo parted ways, many believed the Lakers would be adding another Larry O’Brien Trophy to its storied trophy case, but that never came to fruition.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.
This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.Dončić, though, believes last season it could’ve happened — if it weren’t for something he feels he’s at fault for.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGELos Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on Nov.8, 2025.
(Dale Zanine/Imagn Images)On April 2, the Lakers owned a 16-2 record in a stretch where they looked unstoppable.They were facing the reigning NBA-champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a litmus test of sorts, especially for Dončić, who had been playing extremely well for the Lakers.In fact, Dončić was playing for a potential MVP award.However, the Thunder took the red-hot Lakers to the woodshed, defeating them 139-96.
But that wasn’t the only loss the Lakers would have on the night.Dončić said he felt a hamstring tweak in the second quarter, but instead of taking himself out in a game that was getting out of hand, he pushed even harder.The decision backfired.In the second half, Dončić started to grab at his hamstring and was eventually taken out of the game.
The result for pushing? A Grade 2 hamstring strain that didn’t just force him to miss the final five games of the season — he missed the entire postseason for Los Angeles.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW– UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers watches play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half of Game 2 in the second round of the NBA playoffs on May 7, 2026, in Oklahoma City.
(Nate Billings/AP)"When it comes to my spirit...