Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin ReavesPlayer·Austin Reaves shoots at the arena today, advancing his recovery from a Grade 2 left oblique strain that has sidelined him since April 2. Lakers coach JJ RedickCoach·JJ Redick confirmed the session as the next step after Reaves progressed through 3-on-3 work and was upgraded to questionable for Game 3, which he ultimately sat out. An official update on his status arrives at 5 p.m. local time, ahead of tip-off in Houston.
The No. 4 seed Lakers (53-29 regular season) lead the No. 5 seed Rockets (52-30) 2-0 in this Western ConferenceCompetition·Western Conference first-round series, following commanding home wins. LeBron JamesPlayer·LeBron James, Marcus SmartPlayer·Marcus Smart, and Luke KennardPlayer·Luke Kennard fueled Game 2's victory, setting up a chance to grab a 3-0 road lead tonight. Reaves' potential return injects urgency: his catch-and-shoot reliability and playmaking off the bench have been staples, and his absence has tested the Lakers' depth amid playoff intensity.
Beating the initial 4-6 week prognosis by over two weeks, Reaves participated in 1-on-1 drills under medical supervision for Game 3 on Friday but was ruled out. Today's shooting marks tangible progress, though oblique injuries demand caution in a series where every rotation spot counts.
Houston counters with its own injury hurdles. Kevin DurantPlayer·Kevin Durant carries a questionable tag for a new left ankle sprain layered on a right knee issue that hampered Game 2. Luka DoncicPlayer·Luka Doncic remains ruled out with a left hamstring strain, with no expected return this round, thinning the Rockets' star power. Jake LaRaviaPlayer·Jake LaRavia checks in as available after shaking a minor ankle sprain.
A Reaves comeback bolsters LA's offense for a potential sweep, reshaping their second-round path against stiffer Western foes like the top-seeded Oklahoma City ThunderTeam·Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18) or San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs (62-20). Without him, the Lakers lean harder on James' rim pressure and Smart's defensive switches to close out Houston swiftly. Game 4 tips at 8:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT), with sweep implications looming large in a postseason defined by injury battles.
Austin Reaves (15) passes to LeBron James (23) during a Lakers game. Icon Sportswire/IMAGO
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