Alex Hunter provides an injury update for Lakers guard Austin Reaves ahead of Wednesday’s Game 5 vs. the Rockets.
Published Apr 28, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 14: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
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The Lakers have a chance to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals with a win in Game 5 vs. the Rockets on Wednesday and Austin Reaves is trending towards being back in action. Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers are optimistic about Reaves returning for Game 5 after he has missed the last nine games with an oblique strain.
Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves is optimistic to return to action in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night after missing about four weeks with a Grade 2 oblique strain, sources tell ESPN. Reaves will be a game-time decision for the third consecutive contest. pic.twitter.com/gT6nYaEPY1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 28, 2026
Luka Doncic (hamstring) remains out and with the superstar sidelined, Reaves should find himself with a large role in his return. In the six games Reaves has played alongside LeBron James with Doncic inactive this season, Reaves is averaging 21.7 points and 7.0 assists per game while leading Los Angeles with a 31.5% usage rate.
Reaves’ return should also result in decreased roles for Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, who have been excellent with Reaves and Doncic sidelined. Reaves ranked second for the Lakers in net rating in the regular season and having him back will be a huge boost for the club.
Los Angeles opened as a 2.5-point favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook for Game 5 vs. the Rockets, but in the wake of this news that Reaves is likely to return, the Lakers have moved to a 4.5-point favorite.
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