Luka Doncic Clarifies His Injury Status After WWE Legend Ric Flair Called Him Out Again

Luka Doncic called out the media and his critics for skewing the narrative around his hamstring return.

Luka Doncic Clarifies His Injury Status After WWE Legend Ric Flair Called Him Out Again

Ric Flair on Luka Doncic (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Luka Doncic expressed frustration over missing the playoffs due to a hamstring injury.
  • Ric Flair criticized Doncic for not playing, citing his own experiences with injuries.
  • Doncic had a successful season, leading the Lakers in scoring and expressing happiness with the team.

It is unfortunate that the Los Angeles Lakers were not able to rely on the services of their star player, Luka Doncic, in the playoffs this year. Since joining the Lakers at the trade deadline last year, the front office have built their roster around the Slovenian, hence, this is his team.

In the end, the Lakers missed their primary scorer and were clean-swept by the defending champions in the Western Conference Semifinals. Game 4 was an enthralling game from tip-off, but they eventually suffered a 115-110 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Crypto.com Arena on Monday night.

After the game, Doncic spoke to the media about not being able to play in the series.

It’s very frustrating. I know some people wanted me back but obviously I wasn’t close to clearing. If I could be out there, I would be there 100%, everyone in that room (Lakers locker room) knows that. I was sad not to be able to help my team. I’m still doing recovery.

Luka Doncic in his press conference

It was a disappointing end to Luka Doncic‘s campaign. He won the scoring title this year and was a strong candidate for the MVP award as well. His statements about people wanting him to return was more of a response to some critics like Ric Flair.

The WWE legend, who is a die-hard fan of the Lakers, called out the Lakers guard for not taking to court for his team. In his frustration, he said he hoped the Lakers traded him next year.

While the Lakers were able to eliminate the Houston Rockets in six games without Doncic in the lineup, it was always going to be a tall ask for the purple and gold to take on one of the greatest teams in NBA history in a seven-game series. While they did put up a fight in all four games, it wasn’t enough when it mattered, as they were eliminated in just four games.

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Ric Flair has no sympathy for Luka Doncic’s hamstring injury

When Luka Doncic pulled his hamstring last month, it was expected that he would be sidelined for six weeks. Unfortunately, the injury seemed worse than expected, and he was nowhere close to making his return.

Luka Doncic grabbing his hamstring
Luka Doncic grabbing his hamstring (Image via CGTN Sports Scene/X)

Ric Flair backed his criticism of the Slovenian and argued that he has wrestled with worse injuries.

Not being hard on Luka Doncic, I’m just having fun. I’m such a Laker fan and I honestly believe, of course, I don’t know anything about the extent of his injury, but when I first saw it, I did the same thing to the 49ers quarterback a couple years ago. I said, ‘Get back in the game. I’ve taken a cortizone shot and wrestled with a broken ankle, so I don’t have much sympathy for the hamstring.’

Ric Flair on Yahoo Sports Daily

While it is understandable for Lakers fans such as Flair to expect Doncic to take part in the most important games of the season, it is unfair to expect him to put himself at risk out there. He did travel to Spain for some treatment, but in the end, he was ineligible to play for the Lakers.

Luka Doncic on his first full season with the Lakers

When the blockbuster Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade was announced at the trade deadline last year, it shook the entire NBA world. But it also meant that the Lakers had finally found their franchise player, as LeBron James‘ future at 41 with the club remains uncertain.

The 2025-26 campaign was Doncic’s first full season with the Lakers, and he revealed that he is very happy in the club.

I feel very comfortable. I like being a Laker. I like playing for the Lakers. It is one of the best organizations in the world. Just being a Laker means a lot to me.

Luka Doncic in his press conference

It was an impressive season for Doncic as he led the Lakers to a fourth-place finish in a highly competitive Western Conference standings with a 53-29 record. He led the league in scoring as he averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. However, it is unfortunate that he was not able to help his team when it mattered the most.

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