“He’s going to go through the same process and we’ll make the decision at game time,” JJ Redick told ESPN. The Lakers’ head coach confirmed Reaves is trending toward a potential return after progressing through on-court workouts without setbacks, suggesting that fans could soon see him back on the court.

Redick‘s team and the medical staff have taken a cautious approach throughout his recovery, easing him back into basketball activities rather than rushing him into action during the first four games of the series.

When did Austin Reaves get injured?

Austin Reaves suffered a Grade 2 oblique strain on April 2, 2026, during a regular-season game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury occurred in the first half after he experienced discomfort in his left side.

After undergoing an MRI, the team confirmed the diagnosis and ruled him out indefinitely, with initial reports indicating a recovery timeline of approximately 4–6 weeks, according to ESPN.

How long has Austin Reaves been out?

Austin Reaves has been sidelined for several weeks, with his absence stretching since early April due to the oblique injury. Medical reports estimated a recovery window of 4 to 6 weeks, placing his return around late April or early May.

During this period, the guard has missed both the end of the regular season and multiple playoff games, with his status fluctuating between “out” and “questionable” as he progressed through on-court recovery work.

Is Austin Reaves the only injured player on the team?

No — Austin Reaves is not the only injury concern for the Lakers. The team has also been dealing with other key absences, most notably Luka Doncic, who has been sidelined with a hamstring strain during the same stretch of the postseason.

These combined injuries have significantly impacted Los Angeles’ rotation, forcing head coach JJ Redick to rely more heavily on role players and adjust offensive responsibilities across the lineup.

How has Austin Reaves’ absence affected the Lakers?

Austin Reaves’ absence has significantly impacted the Los Angeles Lakers’ offensive structure, reducing their secondary scoring, playmaking and late-game creation behind LeBron James.

The Purple and Gold have struggled at times to generate consistent half-court offense without Reaves’ ability to handle the ball, attack closeouts and create advantages for teammates.

His absence has also forced increased responsibility on role players, which has led to stretches of inconsistency in spacing and shot quality during the series against the Houston Rockets.

Without him, the team has had fewer lineup options and less flexibility in guarding opposing guards, which has made rotations more predictable in key playoff moments.

ESPN‘s Shams Charania shared this information on ‘Get Up‘ noting Durant’s likely absence. “The expectation is that they will be without Kevin Durant for Game 5. He is dealing with a bone bruise in addition to that left ankle strain,” Charania reported.

Durant has appeared in only one game in the series against the Lakers, where he logged 23 points, 41 minutes, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. His absence could significantly impact the Rockets as they face the possibility of dropping another game in the series.

The focus now shifts to the rest of the Rockets’ roster, as they delivered an impressive performance in Game 4. They are expected to replicate this success despite being without their key cornerstone player.

Durant’s late-season struggles

As Durant is expected to miss the upcoming game, he is approaching the total number of games he missed during the entire regular season with the Rockets. His absence has significantly impacted the team’s performance in this series against the Lakers.

Throughout the regular season, Durant missed only four games due to rest and injury management. If he is indeed sidelined for Game 5 against the Lakers, he will match that number, this time due to a bone bruise.

Head coach Ime Udoka must devise an effective strategy to defeat Los Angeles in this pivotal matchup. A loss would result in playoff elimination, marking the third consecutive season the team has exited at this stage.

According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, Reaves is optimistic about returning to the court for the Lakers in Game 5. “Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is optimistic about returning to action in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night after missing approximately four weeks due to a Grade 2 oblique strain,” Charania posted on social media.

Despite Reaves’ optimism, the Lakers are approaching his return with caution. Charania noted that Reaves will be a game-time decision for the third consecutive game, having been considered since Game 3.

This report complements Monday’s update, which detailed not only Austin Reaves’ movements but also included injury reports for Doncic and Kevin Durant ahead of Game 5 between the Rockets and the Lakers.

Why are the Lakers hesitant to play Reaves?

With the Lakers holding an advantage in their series and just one win away from securing a spot in the Western Conference semifinals, the coaching staff and medical team may be opting to allow Reaves to fully recover for the challenges ahead.

However, if Reaves take the court for the Lakers on Wednesday, it will highlight his significant impact on the team. After a four-week absence, Los Angeles has the opportunity to close out the series and progress further in the NBA playoffs.

Reaves’ playoff performance with the Lakers

As fans await the official announcement, Reaves is eager to add to his playoff experience. This would mark his fourth consecutive playoff appearance and his 27th postseason game.

Averaging 16.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game across 26 playoff contests, Reaves is determined to demonstrate that this season is among his finest. Winning a title would cement his status in the NBA.

According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, Doncic will not return for the remainder of the series, even if it extends to a Game 7. On the other hand, Reaves is expected to make his playoff debut this season in Game 5.

Additionally, Charania reported that the Rockets are preparing to face the Lakers without Durant in their lineup. After his latest update, coupled with comments from Amen Thompson, Charania suggested Durant will not be available for Game 5.

Furthermore, JJ Redick, the head coach, indicated that Doncic is nearing a potential return, as recent injury reports suggest he may be back sooner than anticipated.

Projected lineups for Game 5 between Lakers and Rockets

Given these developments, Reaves is anticipated to be in the lineup, having been absent since April 2 in a regular-season game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Here are the projected lineups for both teams:

• Los Angeles Lakers projected lineup:
  • PG: Austin Reaves
  • SG: Marcus Smart
  • SF: Rui Hachimura
  • PF: LeBron James
  • C: Deandre Ayton

• Houston Rockets projected lineup:
  • PG: Reed Sheppard
  • SG: Amen Thompson
  • SF: Tari Eason
  • PF: Jabari Smith Jr.
  • C: Alperen Sengun

If the Lakers win, they will secure their spot in the Western Conference semifinals. Conversely, a Rockets win will force a Game 6, offering them a chance to rebound in the series, which currently stands at 3-1 in favor of Los Angeles. Both teams will miss one of their key players for this game, but the drive to advance in the NBA playoffs remains strong.

Reaves is listed as questionable, but KD was ultimately ruled out. While Reaves continues to manage a lingering issue that predates the postseason, Durant’s status was even more precarious; hampered by a nagging ankle injury, the Rockets star has been limited to just one appearance in the series thus far.

This “next man up” reality puts both coaching staffs in a difficult position as they look to fill significant production voids. With the stars sidelined, expect increased roles for Amen Thompson and Luke Kennard, both of whom will be called upon to provide the spark their respective rosters are currently missing.

For Houston, the stakes couldn’t be higher; trailing in the series, the team finds itself in a desperate fight to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Kevin Durant not returning for Game 4 vs Lakers

Hours before tipoff on Sunday, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Durant was expected to remain on the sidelines in today’s Game 4. “He’s had around-the-clock treatment to play but has not been cleared by doctors,” Charania reported on X, before KD was listed as out.

“Durant came into the Rockets facility this morning for his rehab with the team’s medical staff and participated in film session and meetings with teammates. The bone bruise has created swelling, stiffness and lack of mobility in the ankle, sources said,” Charania added.

Projected lineups: Rockets vs. Lakers Game 4

Here is how the starting units are projected to look for this pivotal Game 4:

• Los Angeles Lakers:
  • PG: Marcus Smart
  • SG: Luke Kennard
  • SF: Rui Hachimura
  • PF: LeBron James
  • C: Deandre Ayton
• Houston Rockets:
  • PG: Amen Thompson
  • SG: Jalen Green
  • SF: Dillon Brooks
  • PF: Jabari Smith Jr.
  • C: Alperen Sengun

The implications of tonight’s result are massive. A Lakers victory would punch their ticket to the Western Conference Semifinals, setting up a date with the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Phoenix Suns. Conversely, a Rockets win would force a Game 5, shifting the pressure back to Los Angeles and giving Houston a new lease on life.

He has missed the entire postseason so far after suffering the injury on April 2, but his recent upgrade signals progress in his recovery. The guard has already returned to on-court work and is advancing through his rehab.

His situation has become one of the key storylines in the series, especially with the Lakers holding a 2–0 lead despite being without him. As Game 3 approaches, a final decision is taken before tip-off.

What is Austin Reaves’ injury?

Austin Reaves is dealing with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, an injury that has sidelined him since early April and ruled him out for the start of the playoffs with the Los Angeles Lakers. It affects the abdominal muscles.

He suffered the injury on April 2 during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, when he experienced discomfort in his midsection and later underwent imaging that confirmed the severity of the strain.

Because oblique injuries are particularly sensitive and easy to aggravate, the Lakers have taken a cautious approach, keeping him sidelined through the early playoff games to avoid any setbacks during a critical stretch of the season.

When could Austin Reaves return to play?

Austin Reaves could return within a 4–6 week recovery window, with recent updates indicating he may be close to a comeback depending on his progress in final rehab stages.

He has already been cleared for on-court activities and is progressing through basketball-specific work, including half-court and full-court drills. Reports suggest he could rejoin the lineup within 7–10 days if he continues responding well.

He has been listed as out for Game 3 in the last minutes, which signals that a return is imminent, though the final decision will depend on how he feels during pregame warmups. The team is balancing urgency with caution.

How has Austin Reaves performed this season with the Lakers?

Austin Reaves has been one of the standout performers for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2025–26 season, averaging 23.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game—career-best numbers across the board.

He emerged as the team’s second-leading scorer and a primary playmaker, significantly increasing his offensive responsibility and consistency throughout the season. His ability to create his own shot, facilitate offense and deliver in clutch moments made him a central piece in the system.

Among his highlights, he recorded a career-high 51-point game and multiple standout performances early in the season, further cementing his rise as one of the league’s most improved guards.

His absence in the playoffs has only reinforced his importance, as LeBron James‘ team has had to rely on role players and veteran leadership to compensate for the missing production in the backcourt.

This serves as a massive boost for the Lakers, which have had to endure the first two games of the postseason without both Reaves and Luka Doncic. Despite these absences, LeBron James proved he still has plenty of gas in the tank, leading Los Angeles to two crucial victories at Crypto.com Arena to defend home court.

While Reaves’ upgrade to questionable is a positive sign, his presence at the Toyota Center in Houston is not yet guaranteed. The 27-year-old has progressed faster than Doncic, recently participating in on-court work and one-on-one activities, but the final decision will likely be a game-time call.

The latest on Luka Doncic

Unlike the optimistic outlook for Reaves, the situation surrounding Doncic remains grim. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers organization does not expect the Slovenian star to return during the series against the Rockets.

He remains sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring injury suffered during the regular season against the Oklahoma City Thunder—the same game in which Reaves was injured.

Doncic’s absence is a significant blow to the Lakers’ title aspirations, as he was putting together a stellar season. Before the injury, he was averaging 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.

LeBron James on the series lead

Even with a 2-0 lead, LeBron James is refusing to let the team become complacent. Despite winning both home games without their starting backcourt, James emphasized that the job is far from over.

“It means nothing,” James said following the Game 2 win, according to Lakers Nation. “Series are not won until you win four. It’s the first to four. Our only mindset is Game 3. The game is always played in between the lines, and that’s all that matters”.

Despite early rumors suggesting Doncic could potentially be available for Game 3 against the Houston Rockets, Charania revealed a much more sobering sentiment from within the Lakers‘ organization regarding both Doncic and Reaves.

“The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually further along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes. I am told Reaves has started 1-on-1 on-court work,” Charania reported. “The Lakers are not expecting Luka Doncic to return in this series. He remains out indefinitely.”

While fans held out hope for a swift return for Doncic, Charania’s report has largely extinguished that possibility. The news has left the Lakers’ faithful concerned about the team’s postseason ceiling as the Purple and Gold navigate the mounting challenges ahead.

Austin Reaves nearing next phase of recovery

While Doncic has yet to cleared for 1-on-1 contact, Reaves has already reached that critical milestone. According to the recovery protocol, Reaves will next need to progress to 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 full-court work before he is deemed fit to return to the active roster.

Although both players were initially given a similar 4-to-6-week recovery window, Reaves has progressed at a notably faster rate. As a result, Reaves has emerged as a viable option to return at some point later in the playoffs, while Doncic’s status remains clouded by an indefinite timeline.

The road ahead for Los Angeles

With Game 2 slated for Tuesday against the Rockets, the Lakers must first find a way past Houston to secure a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals. From there, the path to the NBA Finals becomes increasingly steep, requiring deep runs through the Conference Finals and beyond.

While Reaves’ return remains a possibility for those later rounds, the Lakers face the very real prospect of being without Doncic for the remainder of the postseason, even if they continue to advance through the bracket.

Their absence represents a massive blow for the Lakers, who will be without their two leading scorers to open the series. Doncic is dealing with a hamstring strain, while Reaves is recovering from an oblique injury.

They both sustained injuries in early April during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their combined production this season made them the backbone of LA’ offense, and their unavailability dramatically alters the team’s outlook.

When are Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves expected to return?

Point guard Luka Doncic and shooting guard Austin Reaves are currently out indefinitely, with no confirmed return date for the start of the NBA series and uncertain availability for the rest of the first round.

According to reports, Doncic is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, while Reaves is recovering from an oblique injury. Initial timelines suggest he could miss 4 to 6 weeks, while Doncic’s recovery remains more uncertain.

There is still a possibility that one or both players could return later in the series if it extends to Games 5, 6, or 7, but that scenario depends entirely on recovery progress. For now, the Lakers are preparing to move forward without them.

Can the Lakers still win without Doncic and Reaves?

Yes, but the Lakers face a significantly tougher challenge without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, as they lose their two primary offensive engines. Their absence forces a complete tactical shift.

Together, Doncic and Reaves accounted for a massive portion of the Lakers’ scoring and playmaking production this season, combining for elite numbers that anchored the team’s offensive identity.

That said, Los Angeles still has veteran leadership and playoff experience, particularly through players like LeBron James, who is expected to take on an even larger role.

However, analysts widely view the Houston Rockets as favorites in the series largely because of these injuries, given their physicality, depth, and defensive consistency, according to the New York Post.

Who will replace Dončić and Reaves in the Los Angeles Lakers lineup?

With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined, the popular franchise led by head coach JJ Redick is expected to rely on a committee approach rather than a direct replacement. The Lakers’ rotation will shift toward a more collective identity.

Los Angeles will lean heavily on LeBron James as the primary offensive engine, while players like Luke Kennard and Rui Hachimura are set to take on expanded scoring and playmaking roles.

Beyond the offensive adjustments, depth will also play a key role. Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia are projected to see increased minutes, especially to provide defensive intensity and versatility against the Houston Rockets.

JJ Redick spoke to the press about the injury statuses of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and said both are expected to remain sidelined, leaving a significant gap in the team’s offensive rhythm and overall depth.

With fewer options available, all eyes turn to James to lead the response against a Houston side eager to capitalize. In a game that already carried weight, the circumstances have only made the challenge steeper for Los Angeles.

What injuries are keeping them out for the Lakers?

Luka Doncic is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, while Austin Reaves is sidelined with a Grade 2 oblique injury. Both issues originated in early April and have since ruled them out for the start of the series against the Houston Rockets.

For the NBA franchise, Doncic’s injury has been particularly complex. The star guard suffered the hamstring strain on April 2 and even traveled overseas to undergo specialized treatment in an effort to accelerate his recovery.

Despite that, typical timelines for this type of injury hover around several weeks, leaving his availability for the series in serious doubt. Reaves’ situation is more clearly defined, but still impactful.

The guard sustained his oblique strain in the same game and was believed to miss between four and six weeks, effectively ruling him out for at least the early portion of the matchup. However, as of now, both remain out indefinitely.

How long will Doncic and Reaves be out for the Lakers?

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are out indefinitely, with no clear timeline for their return. JJ Redick made it clear there won’t be any updates this week, reinforcing the uncertainty surrounding both players’ recoveries.

That lack of clarity complicates both short-term planning and their outlook moving forward. They are central to the team’s offensive flow, and without a defined return date, the coaching staff must continue adjusting on the fly.

As a result, LeBron James is expected to shoulder an even heavier burden, especially in a demanding matchup against the Houston Rockets, where depth and rhythm could make all the difference.

Lakers vs Rockets playoff series schedule: Game dates

• Game 1: Saturday, April 18, 2026 – Rockets vs Lakers
• Game 2: TBD – Rockets vs Lakers
• Game 3: TBD – Lakers vs Rockets
• Game 4: TBD – Lakers vs Rockets
• Game 5 (if necessary): TBD – Rockets vs Lakers
• Game 6 (if necessary): TBD – Lakers vs Rockets
• Game 7 (if necessary): TBD – Rockets vs Lakers

While he is officially out for the remaining regular-season games, his status for the postseason is precarious. “Austin Reaves is expected to miss four to six weeks with the Grade 2 oblique injury,” reported ESPN’s Shams Charania.

With the NBA Playoffs scheduled to tip off on April 18, a four-week recovery timeline would likely sideline Reaves for the entire First Round. If his recovery pushes toward the six-week mark, he could potentially miss the Conference Semifinals (slated for early May) as well, should the Lakers advance that far.

Devastating double blow for the Lakers

The news serves as a knockout punch for a Lakers team already reeling from the loss of league scoring leader Doncic. The Slovenian star suffered a left hamstring strain during the team’s demoralizing 139–96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2.

With both co-stars sidelined, the burden once again falls on LeBron James. At 41 years old, The King will be tasked with carrying the offensive load through the final five games of the season and, potentially, an entire playoff series without his primary backcourt playmakers.

Lakers to test depth in final stretch

With Doncic, Reaves, and Marcus Smart all sidelined, Bronny James, Nick Smith Jr., and Kobe Bufkin have emerged as the primary guard options for head coach JJ Redick heading into the final week of the regular season.

LeBron is expected to shoulder the majority of the ball-handling duties, effectively operating as the team’s point guard. However, with the Lakers having already secured a spot in the postseason, the coaching staff is wary of overextending the veteran superstar.

Redick now has a five-game window to evaluate the team’s depth and determine which rotation players can be relied upon in Doncic’s and Reaves’ absences when the playoffs begin on April 18.