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Lakers Star Targets Second-Round Return as Playoffs Progress

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Luka Dončić

LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain as the Los Angeles Lakers push through their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, but encouraging signs of progress have Lakers fans hopeful the superstar could return in the second round if the team advances.

The Slovenian sensation suffered the non-contact injury on April 2 during a blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. An MRI confirmed a Grade 2 strain involving partial tearing of muscle fibers, sidelining him for the remainder of the regular season and the early postseason. Coach JJ Redick has consistently described Doncic as “out indefinitely,” with no firm timeline released.

As of late April 2026, Doncic has begun light on-court work, including rebounding, passing and shooting drills, according to multiple reports. He is not yet participating in full team practices or five-on-five activity, but his return to the practice court marks a positive step in the recovery process. Redick noted that the 27-year-old is preparing to ramp up his return-to-play progression soon, though the team continues to exercise caution with one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players.

Grade 2 hamstring strains typically require four to six weeks for full recovery, with medical experts warning against aggressive timelines due to high re-injury risk. Doncic sought specialized regenerative treatment in Europe earlier this month, including multiple injections, in hopes of accelerating healing. He returned to Los Angeles mid-April and has been working closely with the Lakers’ medical and performance staff.

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The Lakers have defied expectations without their newly acquired star. Bolstered by LeBron James, Austin Reaves (also working back from an oblique strain) and strong supporting contributions, Los Angeles has built a commanding lead in the first-round series. Redick and front-office executives have emphasized that the team will not rush Doncic back, prioritizing long-term availability over a premature return that could jeopardize deeper playoff runs.

Insiders, including ESPN’s Shams Charania and Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin, report the most realistic target for Doncic’s return is early in a potential second-round series, possibly around early May. That would put his absence at roughly four to five weeks from the original injury date — aligning with the lower end of typical recovery windows for similar injuries.

Doncic’s absence has reshaped the Western Conference landscape. The high-usage creator who led the NBA in scoring for stretches this season has been sorely missed in half-court sets, but the Lakers’ depth and veteran leadership have kept them competitive and even dominant in key moments. His playmaking gravity and step-back shooting remain irreplaceable, however, making his potential return a major X-factor for any extended postseason push.

Hamstring injuries have historically proven tricky for star guards. Re-injury rates remain elevated if athletes return before full strength and neuromuscular control are restored. The Lakers have leaned on data-driven protocols, daily monitoring and progressive loading to ensure Doncic’s comeback is sustainable. No setbacks have been reported in his light activity phase.

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Fan and analyst reaction has been mixed. Some express frustration at the timing of the injury shortly after the blockbuster trade that brought Doncic to Los Angeles, while others praise the organization’s measured approach. Social media buzzes with speculation about his return date, with many pointing to Game 1 or 2 of the second round as the sweet spot if the Lakers advance.

Broader context adds pressure. The expanded playoff format and grueling schedule test depth across the league. For the Lakers, navigating the first round without two key rotation pieces has been a testament to coaching and roster construction. Should they advance, Doncic’s integration will require careful ramp-up minutes to avoid rust or compensation injuries.

Doncic has remained engaged with the team throughout his recovery, attending games, film sessions and providing leadership from the sidelines. Teammates describe him as motivated and optimistic about contributing before the playoffs conclude. His history of playing through pain and elevating in big moments fuels belief that, once cleared, he will quickly regain form.

Medical analysts note that Grade 2 strains vary widely by individual. Factors such as age, prior hamstring issues (Doncic had a minor one earlier in the season), overall conditioning and treatment efficacy all influence outcomes. His trip to Europe for cutting-edge care reflects a proactive strategy increasingly common among elite athletes.

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As the series against Houston continues, the Lakers will monitor Doncic’s daily progress closely. Redick has avoided specific timelines in public comments, focusing instead on process and health. “We’re not going to put a date on it,” he said recently, underscoring the organization’s philosophy.

For Lakers fans dreaming of a championship run, the update offers cautious optimism. A healthy Doncic alongside James could create one of the most potent duos in recent playoff history. Until then, the supporting cast must continue carrying the load while the superstar inches closer to full participation.

This developing situation will be closely watched in the coming days. Any acceleration in his on-court workload or clearance for contact drills could shift expectations for a faster return. For now, the message from the Lakers remains steady: patience, progress and preparation for when Luka is ready to take the court again.

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Amprius Technologies: Growth Continues To Impress, But Valuation Is Getting Lofty

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Amprius Technologies: Growth Continues To Impress, But Valuation Is Getting Lofty

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David focuses on growth & momentum stocks that are reasonably priced and likely to outperform the market over the long-term. He is a long term investor of quality stocks and uses options for strategy. David told investors to buy in March 2009 at the bottom of the financial crisis. The S&P 500 increased 367% and the Nasdaq increased 685% from 2009 through 2019. He wants to help make people money by investing in high-quality growth stocks.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of QS either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

The article is for informational purposes only (not a solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell stocks). David is not a registered investment adviser. Investors should do their own research or consult a financial adviser to determine what investments are appropriate for their individual situation. This article expresses my opinions, and I cannot guarantee that the information/results will be accurate. Investing in stocks involves risk and could result in losses.

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Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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I'm Not Ready To Write A Check For Visa, Earnings Preview

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I'm Not Ready To Write A Check For Visa, Earnings Preview

I'm Not Ready To Write A Check For Visa, Earnings Preview

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Tyneside care training provider opens India base

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The facility is the first outside of the UK for Training in Care

Dr Angela Brown, founder and CEO of Training in Care.

Dr Angela Brown, founder and CEO of Training in Care.(Image: Creo Comms)

South Shields firm Training in Care has launched its first centre outside of the UK with a move to target the Indian market.

The provider of industry courses in South Tyneside and Sunderland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Guardian Angel Institute of Caregiving, which has 300 carers in the Kerala region and has provided care to thousands since its launch 2012. Working with Institute, the firm aims to upskill workers from across the country’s care sector.

Training in Care says it aims improve the quality of life for care receivers in India and address problems in the UK’s domestic care sector by sharing knowledge and best practice. The company has also entered into a two-year knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) with University of Sunderland to support the move.

Dr Angela Brown, founder and CEO of Training in Care, said: “Opening our first training centre outside of the UK is an incredibly proud moment for everyone associated with the business. Over the past 27 years, we’ve helped thousands of people gain the skills required to enter or progress their career in the care sector, so we’ve seen first-hand the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

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“For example, while we have made real in-roads in the UK to ensure our carers have the required social care skills to enter the industry, for too long we have overlooked the need for basic healthcare skills, which is something that is seen as essential for anyone working in the industry in India. At the same time, their care sector hasn’t adopted the same quality of care standards which we have.

“This is why initiatives like this are so important, as it will allow peers in both countries to share best practice and knowledge and ensure that the tens of millions of people receiving care in both countries receive the best possible care and support. It fills us with immense pride to be expanding internationally and to be working alongside the fantastic teams at Guardian Angels and University of Sunderland. We can’t wait to get started.”

Announcing the partnership, Dr Usher Titus, chair of Kerala’s Additional Skill Acquisition Programme, an initiative led by the Higher Education Department, said: “On one side, we have an institution rooted deeply in care and clinical excellence – Guardian Angel Institute of Caregiving – shaping compassionate, skilled professionals here in India. And on the other hand, we have a globally respected name – Training in Care – with decades of expertise and internationally recognised standards.

“They bring a system that ensures that caregiving is not just practiced, but it is perfected. And I can undoubtedly say that individually, they represent excellence. And together, they are going to represent something far greater – a bridge, a pathway, an opportunity for the aspiring caregivers to step beyond borders, to learn, to grow. It’s not just a collaboration; it’s the beginning of a global pathway for a career in caregiving.”

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Dr Derek Watson, associate professor in cultural management at University of Sunderland, said: “Securing a KTP with Training in Care, worth £200,000, is predicated around the University of Sunderland actively supporting UK organisations and clearly demonstrating that the University has the commercial expertise to tangibly grow businesses.

“Our relationship with Training in Care has been actively nurtured over several years and we are delighted in that this is Training in Care’s first KTP. The two-year project will focus on strategic growth in terms of profit, innovation, and global market expansion. It will also continue to provide a reciprocal gateway to enrich our student commercial insights as they observe Training Cares growth.”

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ServiceNow Stock: Don’t Throw The Baby Out With The Bathwater (NYSE:NOW)

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ServiceNow Stock: Don't Throw The Baby Out With The Bathwater (NYSE:NOW)

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For almost a decade, I held research analyst positions in various investment firms, mostly in Toronto. I started in sell-side research with a Canadian bank, then moved to a hedge fund, followed by a family office and then finished my career in wealth management. I was 20 on my first day on Bay Street. I will forever remember. I had worked so hard to get there, from a small French-speaking town in Québec. Getting my CFA and CAIA designations by 25 was another important milestone. I was a young man with a dream, wanting to make it big. However, life was about to teach me a painful lesson. Before conquering the world, a man must first conquer himself by going into the depths of his own abyss. Only then may he shed his naivety and become a man truly able to love.For the last four years, I have been living in a yurt in the boreal forest, approximately 100 kilometres away from the closest paved road or grocery store. In a forest full of birds, just beside a lake full of fish. For water, I go to the creek. For heat, there is plenty of white birch and quaking aspen around. If I need anything in town, I have plenty of money for my needs. I am now 30, in love, and as free as the birds in the skies, so what else can I ask for? In all humility, and in all gratitude, I say thank you to this grandiose symphony we call life.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NOW either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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ACV: Discounted Valuation Means It's Time To Buy (Rating Upgrade)

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ACV: Discounted Valuation Means It's Time To Buy (Rating Upgrade)

ACV: Discounted Valuation Means It's Time To Buy (Rating Upgrade)

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ELD: Current Income And Lower Dollar Beneficiary

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Oil Shock, AI Tailwinds, And Portfolio Shifts Across Emerging Markets

ELD: Current Income And Lower Dollar Beneficiary

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Jobs created as gaming machine supplier strikes key national deal

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Bob Rudd has joined forces with South East-based counterpart SX Leisure for the contract

Bob Rudd has been operating since 1989.

Charlotte and Nick Rudd, of pubs supplier Bob Rudd.(Image: Bob Rudd)

Gambling machine and pool tables specialist Bob Rudd has created jobs on the back of a major contract to supply pubs across the country.

The Tyneside firm has partnered with Witham firm SX Leisure to feed Inspired Entertainment with equipment and servicing to venues, from Northumberland and Cumbria to the West Midlands. The move has created 40 jobs, and will see the two firms supply 1,000 pubs.

Nick Rudd, managing director the Brunswick Village firm, said: “It’s been a busy few months but we couldn’t be happier with how things have gone. Being selected to support a significant portfolio of pub venues previously supplied by Inspired has given us the opportunity to bring our service-first model to even more venues and the feedback from customers has been fantastic.

“It’s a real testament to the dedication of our entire team — both existing staff and new arrivals.”

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He added: “The move has also strengthened staffing — with new colleagues joining the business — and enhanced our ability to provide responsive, high-quality support nationwide. We’re seeing the benefits of scale without compromising the independent, service-led approach for which the business is known.”

Together the two companies have taken on more than 1,800 machines across 1,000 venues with SX Leisure reporting a 30% uptick in business. Greg Wood, director at SX Leisure, said: “It’s been an exciting challenge for both our existing team and those who’ve joined us during this process.

“The response from both our longstanding clients and new venues has been overwhelmingly positive. Our new colleagues have hit the ground running and I can’t thank the entire team enough for delivering the full SX Leisure experience at scale.”

As well headquarters in Witham, SX also has depots in Yeovil and Washington. Mr Wood added: “Our growth has never been taken for granted and this is just the beginning of the next chapter in SX Leisure’s journey.”

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Inspired continues to supply both companies as well as supplying retail gaming and betting businesses — including licensed betting shops, bingo and slots rooms, motorway services and pubs. Ian Shreeve, vice president and general manager gaming sales UK at Inspired said “This partnership has been everything we hoped for.

“Both the Bob Rudd and SX Leisure teams have delivered on every level — providing efficient operations, dependable service and a customer-first mindset. Inspired remains fully committed to the UK pub market and this collaboration ensures that pubs and customers continue to receive the highest-quality games, terminals, service and support.”

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The 1-Minute Market Report, April 26, 2026 (NYSEARCA:SPY)

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My Dividend Stock Portfolio: New February Dividend Record - 100 Holdings With 12 Buys

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I spent 30 years in the institutional trenches as a trader, analyst, and portfolio manager, eventually running the equity trading desk at Northern Trust in Chicago. Those decades shaped my approach: stay disciplined, trust the data, and keep emotion out of the way. Since 2009, when I began publishing my stock selections, my portfolio has delivered solid long term results—compounding in the mid teens annually through 2025. Today I’m a private investor and investing coach, with a rules based framework that helps people build better portfolios. My work focuses on systematic thinking, behavioral awareness, and evidence over opinion. For my market outlook and model portfolio updates, visit zeninvestor.org. .

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NVDA, AVGO, GOOGL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Earnings call transcript: Beiersdorf AG Q1 2026 reports mixed results, stock dips

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Earnings call transcript: Beiersdorf AG Q1 2026 reports mixed results, stock dips

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US intercepts sanctioned merchant vessel in Arabian Sea, Central Command says

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US intercepts sanctioned merchant vessel in Arabian Sea, Central Command says

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