Luka Dončić expresses regret over playing through hamstring injury

<p>Luka Dončić is entering the 2026-27 NBA season as the primary player for the Los Angeles Lakers, following LeBron James' transition to the Philadelphia 76ers.</p><p>Prior to their separation, there were expectations that the Lakers would secure another Larry O’Brien Trophy, but this did not occur.</p><p>Dončić believes that last season could have been different if not for a decision he now questions.</p><p>On April 2, the Lakers had a 16-2 record during a period of strong performance. They faced the Oklahoma City Thunder, a significant game for Dončić, who was in contention for the MVP award.</p><p>However, the Thunder defeated the Lakers 139-96. During the game, Dončić experienced a hamstring tweak in the second quarter but chose to continue playing instead of exiting the game. This decision led to a Grade 2 hamstring strain, causing him to miss the last five games of the season and the entire postseason.</p><p>Dončić stated, "When it comes to my spirit of trying to win, I am just stubborn. I felt a little bit in the first half that I should have just stopped. I should have come out. I think we had a team that could compete for the championship. I definitely regret it," in an interview with Sports Illustrated.</p><p>This marks the first time Dončić has publicly expressed regret over his decision to play through the injury. He acknowledged that he may not have realized it would be his last opportunity to compete for a championship alongside James if both had been healthy during the postseason.</p><p>James, who had been the third offensive option for the Lakers when fully healthy, had to adjust his role in the playoffs with Dončić absent. He managed to lead the team past the Houston Rockets, but the Thunder eliminated the Lakers in the second round.</p><p>It remains uncertain whether the Lakers could have advanced to the Finals against the New York Knicks had Dončić been healthy.</p>