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Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

How Realistic Is a Luka Dončić Return for the Lakers? And at What Potential Cost?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

Locked On Podcast Network

La Lakers Podcast, Lakers Nba, Lakers News, Nba Podcast, Lakers Basketball, La Lakers, Sports, La Basketball, Podcast, Lakers, Basketball Podcast, Los Angeles Lakers, Daily Podcast, Basketball, Los Angeles Basketball, Los Angeles Nba, Nba, Los Angeles, Lakers Highlights, Sports Podcast, Lakers Podcast, Lakers Game, Lakers Today, La Nba, Los Angeles Lakers Podcast

4.41.6K Ratings

🗓️ 14 April 2026

⏱️ 34 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

The news from Monday was, whether intentionally or not, going to get Lakers fans excited. Luka Dončić is on his way back to the US having completed his treatment in Spain. Whether that means he'll actually return to play in time from his injured hamstring to actually help the Lakers remains to be seen—no news yet about any return to play—but for a fanbase that is open to some hopium, this certainly qualifies. But at what potential cost? How should Luka and the Lakers think about his recovery? What are the variables that impact any decisions about his return? Before the focus shifts entirely to the first round, it's worth remembering just how good Luka's season was, particularly on offense, and appreciating how his attempts to get back on the floor speak to his commitment as a competitor and to the franchise. All good signs. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves is still expected to return in early May at the earliest. So if the Lakers want to see either guy, they're going to have to defy the odds against the Rockets. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers got news about Luka on Monday... was it good news? SEGMENT 2: The risk/reward of a Luka return... SEGMENT 3: The guy cooked this year, especially offensively. Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTaxThis year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. Rocket MoneyLet Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON. 5-Hour ENERGYGet candy-flavored chaos with Fruity Rainbow 5-hour ENERGY®️ Shots - available online at https://5hourENERGY.com or Amazon IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuelToday's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

Luke and Donchich is on his way back to Los Angeles and is trying hard to get back on the floor,

0:05.5

but is it really more likely than it even was last week? That's next.

0:15.8

You are Locked on Lakers.

0:18.1

Your daily Los Angeles Lakers podcast, part of the Locked-on Podcast Network, your team

0:24.5

every day.

0:28.0

Thanks to everybody for stopping by Locked on Lakers.

0:31.2

I'm Brian Komeneski with Andy Kaminetsky.

0:33.0

Lots to get into as the Lakers get ready for their first round match up against the Houston Rockets.

0:38.5

Game one Saturday at 5.30.

0:40.9

We got obviously a week's worth of previews to get into.

0:45.4

We'll talk a little bit of Luca Donch.

0:47.0

It's just the historic season that Luca has, has he finished today?

0:52.2

We're not really sure.

0:53.5

I guess that's part of the big conversation from Monday,

0:57.0

which is the news that Luke Adonchich is on his way back to Los Angeles.

1:01.4

He's planning on joining the team this week.

1:03.6

A couple reports from Shams and at ESPN and Mark Stein

1:07.3

that he will be back with team on Friday,

1:10.3

presumably, I guess,

1:11.7

getting looked at in between to see how the healing has gone in Spain.

1:19.1

But Andy, no timetable yet or no word yet on any kind of return to play.

1:27.4

Until we hear anything much more concrete, whether from the Lakers or I would expect

...

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