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Austin Reaves #15 and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers

The return of Austin Reaves was spoiled for the Los Angeles Lakers.

After getting cleared from an oblique strain, Reaves made his 2026 NBA playoff debut in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers needed just one more win to put the series away and lock in a few dates with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Instead, the Lakers are gearing up for Game 6 against the Rockets, as Houston is suddenly alive.

Reaves didn’t start for the Lakers on Wednesday night. Instead, Luke Kennard got the nod for the fifth game in a row. Unfortunately, Kennard struggled more than usual. He checked in for 31 minutes and scored just one point. Both of his shots from three were unsuccessful.

In the second half, JJ Redick went with Reaves over Kennard with the starters. Despite having so much time off, Reaves gained trust from his head coach.

LeBron James Speaks on Austin Reaves’ Performance

GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 07: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers and head coach JJ Redick talk during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 07, 2025 in Dallas, 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

“He’s such a dynamic player,” James told reporters regarding Reaves.

“His ability to get into the paint, his ability to get into the free-throw line. Obviously, it’s his first game in a month, so a few of his jump shots were short. Makes sense. He hasn’t played in a month. That just gives us another ball-handler, another attack threat. It’s great for us team.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 18, 2025: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) hugs Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) after Reaves was fouled by Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey (19) scoring on a three point shot in the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on November 18, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Overall, he was rusty with his shooting on Wednesday. Reaves shot 4-16 from the field. He scored 22 points, with 12 of those shots coming from the charity stripe. Beyond his scoring, Reaves dished out six assists, came down with four rebounds, and blocked one shot.

Reaves Is Getting Settled In

HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

The veteran sharpshooter last played against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. Amid a 139-96 loss, Reaves suffered his oblique injury. He went on to miss the final five games of the regular season, plus the first four playoff games against the Rockets.

With the Lakers hoping to close out the series on Friday, May 1, Reaves will get another opportunity to get settled in before what LA hopes to be a second-round bout with the Oklahoma City Thunder.