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Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the game against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

The status of Austin Reaves for Game 4 between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets is unclear.

Heading into Game 3, the Lakers upgraded Reaves to questionable. While that was a positive sign for his potential availability in the first round series against the Rockets, the Lakers ultimately ruled him out.

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts for a LA Clippers foul during the first half at Crypto.com Arena on November 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Lakers haven’t had Reaves on the court since April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

While Reaves didn’t make his way back on Friday night, the Rockets are getting a clear indication that the veteran sharpshooter’s return is coming soon. Houston’s head coach, Ime Udoka, revealed how the Rockets are preparing for that moment.

How Are The Rockets Preparing For Austin Reaves?

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 23: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets reacts in the first half against the Golden State Warriors in Game Two of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 23, 2025 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images)

“Not much [adjusting] early,” Udoka told reporters.

“We understand that he was going to be out for a while, if not the whole series. We prepared as if they are going to be out. Those last five games that they played without him and Doncic, that was our focus.”

Unfortunately for Houston, the start of the series didn’t go the way that everybody had assumed it would. Entering Game 1 as favorites to win in the first round, the Rockets got a Lakers team that lacked Doncic and Reaves, but surely didn’t look like the same squad as the last five games.

The Rockets are suddenly 0-3 heading into Game 4. And Reaves might be on his way back. How will Udoka and his team prepare then?

“You look at the sets and what we did in previous games this year, looking back on those, they play very similar to Luke Kennard and the actions they are running for him now,” the head coach stated.

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers calls a play during the first half of a game against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Make no mistake, the Rockets have landed stellar play from the veteran sharpshooter, Luke Kennard. Still, the addition of Reaves is a major boost.

In 51 games this season, Austin Reaves averaged 23.3 points per game, while shooting 49.0% from the field and hitting on 36.0% of his threes. He also averaged 4.7 rebounds per game and 5.5 assists per game.

The Rockets and the Lakers will go head-to-head on Sunday, April 26, for a 9:30 PM ET tip.