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Ric Flair Urges Lakers to Trade Injured Luka Doncic

5/6/2026

44 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Flair Urges Trade

On May 6 2026, Ric Flair urged the Los Angeles Lakers to trade Luka Doncic while he is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Flair told Doncic to “take a shot of cortisone and deal with the pain” and noted his $50 million-a-year salary.
He said a trade is unlikely unless the Lakers hire Nico Harrison as general manager.
The Thunder handled the Lakers comfortably on Tuesday night.

Summary

**Doncic Delayed Return**

Cortisone shots ease pain and inflammation from a Grade 2 hamstring strain but do not heal it and may worsen damage if given too soon.
Experts say Doncic will not return before Game 3 or Game 4 at the earliest.
LeBron James stressed that Doncic’s scoring is vital for the Lakers despite his injury.
Medical commentary warned that a premature return could turn a short-term absence into a long-term problem for the Lakers.

Summary

Flair Slams Whining

Lakers coach JJ Redick said he had no updates on Luka Doncic’s condition.
Austin Reaves logged 36 minutes in Game 1 and scored eight points as the Lakers lost 108-90.
Ric Flair cited his 2023 Fox News interview, condemned NBA load-management as harmful, and said he wrestled six months after breaking his back in a plane crash.
Flair likened that toughness to basketball players “whining and b----” over minor injuries.

Summary

Thunder Advance

The Thunder enter the round as champions led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
After a 108-90 Game 1 loss, the Lakers trail the Thunder’s offense.
Lakers officials may keep Luka Doncic sidelined if they fall two or three games behind, with one day of rest between games hindering a return.
Analysts say the Thunder would have an advantage even with a healthy Doncic while LeBron James carried a scoring load in the first round.

History

Historical Context

During the 1998-99 NBA lockout, owners and players clashed for almost 200 days, canceling 464 regular-season games and compressing the schedule to 50 contests that began on February 5, 1999. That disruption reshaped contract negotiations and roster strategies, a legacy owners cite as they navigate the Lakers’ 2026 salary-cap challenges and injury-driven lineup changes.

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Flair Urges Trade

On May 6 2026, Ric Flair urged the Los Angeles Lakers to trade Luka Doncic while he is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Flair told Doncic to “take a shot of cortisone and deal with the pain” and noted his $50 million-a-year salary.
He said a trade is unlikely unless the Lakers hire Nico Harrison as general manager.
The Thunder handled the Lakers comfortably on Tuesday night.

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