Luka in Spain for Stem Cell Therapy — Lakers Limping Into Playoffs

Luka Doncic is in Spain getting stem cell treatment on his Grade 2 hamstring strain. Let that sink in — the Lakers' best player flew across the Atlantic for treatment while his team prepares for the playoffs without him.

Austin Reaves is also sidelined 4-6 weeks, meaning LA's two best offensive weapons are both out. The Lakers are essentially a shell of themselves heading into what was supposed to be a legitimate title push after acquiring Doncic.

The stem cell therapy is designed to accelerate healing, but there's no guarantee Luka returns for the first round. If the Lakers survive the early rounds — a massive if — there's a chance he could come back later in the playoffs. But right now, this is a team that traded everything for a star who might not play in the postseason. The Western Conference is not going to wait around.