The NBA world and, in particular, the Los Angeles Lakers are left reeling as we await further confirmation of what appears to be a serious hamstring injury to Luka Dončić. For some reason, Lakers head coach JJ Redick left his MVP candidate superstar in the game down 32 points in the thirds quarter against the OKC Thunder. Dončić then pulled up mid-dribble, hobbled, and collapsed in obvious pain.
This is after his superstar was already evaluated for an injury to the same hamstring in the first half. If Friday’s MRI reveals that he will miss the playoffs or even a chunk of it, Redick has much to answer for. Needless to say, the reaction to this disastrous injury has been swift, and the criticism towards the Lakers’ coach has been universal from fans and commentators alike.
JJ Redick Defends Leaving In Luka Doncic During Blowout Loss: ‘Those Things Happen’
If this injury turns out to be a season-ender, it will be a terrible loss for the NBA heading into the playoffs, with its hottest player sidelined. It’s an equally terrible look for Redick, leaving his star in with his team down 32.
Also, the news that he was aware that Dončić was nursing the injury in the first half makes this look even worse. After the game, Redick acknowledged Dončić was grabbing his hamstring in the first half.
“We checked him out. Got work done, but he was cleared,” he said. “Those things happen.”
When asked if he considered pulling both him and co-star Austin Reaves, who was nursing a back injury, Redick curiously replied: “It was discussed at halftime. Thought we would give those guys about 6 minutes, and if we didn’t cut into the lead, we were gonna pull them.”
NBA World Reacts to Redick’s Controversial Decision
The overriding sentiment was encapsulated by Ryan Lucas on X, commenting on Redick’s seemingly relaxed approach to player usage with the game out of reach: “What are we doing here… this is reckless and dumb.”
jj redick needs to get the starters out of this game. this is just dumb. this game is over. was after the 1st quarter. austin was already wincing and grabbing his back and lebron is 41. what are we doing here…..this is reckless and dumb
— Ryan Lucas (@RyanLucas_LA) April 3, 2026
Also, the same user later commented: “The season is 1000 percent up in smoke if Luka tore his hamstring with a week before the playoffs. Unreal.”
Another Lakers account simply asked what many are asking: “Why was Luka in during a 90-58 blowout?”
MORE: Luka Dončić Injury Update: How Long Will the Lakers Star Be Out After Scary Moment vs. Thunder?
Another clearly frustrated Lakers influencer implored the beat writers to grill Redick as to why their superstar was left in a blowout: “Do your job and ask JJ Redick why tf did he allowed Luka to play that 2nd half knowing he tweaked his hamstring in the 1st quarter”
SleeperLakers on X chimed in as well: “He was grabbing at his hamstring earlier in the game, which makes this even more frustrating. If something was bothering him, why was he still out there?”
Luka Doncic went down and the Lakers called timeout. It looked like he tweaked his left leg, possibly the ankle or hamstring area.
He was grabbing at his hamstring earlier in the game, which makes this even more frustrating. If something was bothering him, why was he still out… pic.twitter.com/0IIM0VnIrs
— SleeperLakers (@SleeperLakers) April 3, 2026
With the benefit of hindsight, obviously, this appears to be a consequential mistake by Redick. Still, it’s a curious decision when down by over 30 points at halftime, especially knowing his best players were battling injuries.
Redick weighed the risk and reward of keeping them out there, but the risk seemingly far outweighed any reward in this instance. This mistake will likely have far-reaching consequences for the Lakers.
