Luka Dončić has come under strong criticism from the American public and basketball fans after his absence from the court and his trip to Spain became a major topic during the most important part of the season. The Slovenian star has been out for some time because of injury, but the debate intensified after it became known that he travelled to Spain for treatment, even though it had initially been expected that he would receive therapy in Germany. The situation caused many reactions in the United States, where questions were raised about why Dončić was not playing during the crucial stage of the season and why the Lakers had allowed one of their biggest stars to be away during the playoffs.
Additional attention was drawn by the fact that Dončić was seen at the basketball game between Real Madrid and Crvena zvezda, where he watched the match together with Novak Djokovic. This further fuelled criticism among fans, especially because the Lakers had already lost the first game of the playoff series against Oklahoma, with the Thunder taking a 1:0 lead. After the strong public reaction, Dončić decided to explain why he had gone to Spain and why he stayed there longer than expected.
Dončić said that he travelled to Spain for PRP therapy, a treatment based on platelet-rich plasma. He explained that Spain is considered one of the best places for that type of treatment and that he knows and trusts many people there. According to him, the reason he remained in Spain for a longer period was that four days were needed between each treatment. He said he underwent the therapy four times, which is why his stay lasted longer.
Speaking about his recovery, Dončić said that he is still in the rehabilitation process and that he works every day. He added that he feels better day by day, but that the recovery is being managed gradually. Dončić also recalled that the initial estimate for his return was around eight weeks, which is why he said the process would continue step by step.
The criticism comes during a season in which Dončić has been one of the most dominant players, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game. However, the focus has now shifted from his performances to his injury, his treatment abroad and the timing of his absence. The debate in the United States has therefore turned into a broader discussion about the Lakers’ situation, Dončić’s recovery and the pressure surrounding his expected return to the court.
