Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a>. With the Lakers set to advance to the second round against the same Thunder team, the big question remains whether Doncic can return during the series.<\/p>\nESPN\u2019s Cassidy Hubbarth shared the latest news on Doncic during the third quarter of the Lakers\u2019 Game 6 win over the Houston Rockets. Doncic reportedly \u201chas not advanced to one-on-one or full contact work.\u201d The Lakers star remains limited to doing \u201csome movement work\u201d during team drills, but his participation has all been in a controlled environment.<\/p>\n
Per Hubbarth, Doncic is \u201ca step away from anything live\u201d and is facing a \u201cslow build toward a return, not an imminent one.\u201d Doncic remains a ways away from scrimmages, which is usually the final step before a player gets the green light to return to the floor.<\/p>\n
The Lakers took care of business on Friday, beating the Rockets 98-78 to win the first-round series 4-2. But going on to play a Game 7 and winning would have arguably been a better result for Los Angeles to give Doncic an extra couple of days to work his way back.<\/p>\n
Facing the Thunder would have already been tough even with Doncic fully healthy. Without him, the Lakers may not stand much of a chance against the defending champs. Then again, many counted the Lakers out against the Rockets, but LeBron James turned back the clock to carry his team to victory.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n