Luka Doncic’s deep ties to Spain undoubtedly played role in Lakers star’s pick for hamstring rehab spot
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Luka Doncic’s deep ties to Spain undoubtedly played role in Lakers star’s pick for hamstring rehab spot
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Luka Dončić, wearing a white Real Madrid jersey with the number 7, reacts during a basketball game, Image 2 shows Luka Doncic, wearing a black Lakers jersey and purple shoes, sits on the court with his eyes closed during an NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Lakers' facility in El Segundo would've sufficed. Germany and Switzerland would have gotten the job done too.
But Doncic chose Spain, and while it's clear he opted to head overseas to take advantage of recovery techniques that are currently restricted in the US — there's no doubt he wanted to be on Spanish soil due to his deep ties to the region.
Luka Doncic spent his teenage years playing in Spain. EPA
Doncic (playing for Slovenia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games. Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
Doncic, who was born and raised in Slovenia, moved to Madrid when he was just 13 years old.
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The athlete signed a contract with Real Madrid, and in order to fully focus his efforts on improving his skills on the hardwood, he left his parents to live in the Spanish city and play with the basketball club.
Doncic remained there until he was 19, when he was drafted into the NBA, and he undoubtedly developed a comfort with the country while there.
He speaks Spanish and he certainly knows how to get in and around the place. Plus, while its treatments might not be as world-renowned as some of its European counterparts, it definitely offers more than what Doncic could get in America.
The superstar injured his hamstring on April 2 against the Thunder. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
The point guard, of course, is looking to beat the 4-6 week timeline that he was given after he sustained a Grade 2 hamstring strain during Los Angeles' road matchup with Oklahoma City on April 2.
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According to ESPN, the 27-year-old is seeking an "injection procedure" to help promote recovery.
Doncic was given a 4-6 week timetable for a return from his hamstring strain. Getty Images
Dr. Evan Jeffries, a certified physical therapist,speculated to The California Post on Mondaythat Doncic's recovery plan likely includes a combination of "stem cells, platelet-rich plasma, or more advanced regenerative techniques."
With the NBA playoffs kicking off in less than two weeks, Doncic and the Lakers' championship dreams might actually hinge on whether or not he made the right call.
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