Austin Reaves (oblique) 'optimistic' on return to Lakers for Game 5 vs. Rockets
After missing the last nine games with an oblique strain, the Lakers could be welcoming back their second-leading scorer as they look to close out Houston in Game 5.
Austin Reaves is “optimistic” that he’ll be able to return to the Los Angeles Lakers’ lineup for Game 5 of their first-round series in the 2026 NBA playoffs against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania . The 27-year-old Reaves was one of L. A.
’s leading offensive lights during the regular season, averaging a career-high 23. 3 points, 5. 5 assists and 4.
7 rebounds per game on 49/36/87 shooting splits — one of just 10 players in the NBA this season to average 20 and 5 on . 600 true shooting. He missed the Lakers’ final five regular-season games, and has missed the first four games of their opening-round matchup with Houston, after suffering a Grade 2 oblique strain during an April 2 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Reaves resumed on-court work last week, and was listed as questionable ahead of both Game 3 and Game 4 before being ruled out of both. He’s advanced from 1-on-1 work to larger group scrimmages “with no setbacks,” according to Charania — a progression that has sparked hope that he’ll be able to take the floor once again in Game 5. After missing the Lakers' last nine games, Austin Reaves is reportedly nearing his return.