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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 14: JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half of a game at Mortgage Matchup Center on December 14, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for their potential series-clinching Game 5 in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets, a game that could see Austin Reaves return from injury.
While Reaves is expected to play, but not yet fully upgraded to available, the Lakers are hoping to close out the Rockets in five games and advance to the next round.
Before the crucial game, Los Angeles announced surprising news about their brief playoff run so far, as they’ve seen some unexpected success despite playing without both Luka Doncic and Reaves.
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a three point shot during the second half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
As is customary for the Lakers, the team announced their usual, ‘Three Things to Know‘ post on social media in the lead-up to Game 5. The post typically features unique stats about the team or their opponent, and the news on Wednesday was no different.
In their ‘Three Things to Know’ post for Game 5, the Lakers announced that they lead all 16 NBA playoff teams in assist percentage, which currently sits at 68.2%, through their first four postseason games.
“The Lakers lead all playoff teams in assist percentage: 68.2%,” they wrote on X.
That means, even playing without Doncic and Reaves, Los Angeles is scoring more than two-thirds of their playoff points from assists. In total, they are a respectable fourth in total assists per game, but without two of their three lead playmakers, the statistic comes as somewhat of a shock.
Additionally, in the ‘Three Things to Know’ post, the Lakers confirmed that LeBron James, who has been leading the team amid the injuries, is second in the NBA in playoff assists per game, currently at 8.8 through their first four matchups.
Finally, the Lakers announced the most obvious news of all, that if they beat the Rockets in Game 5, they’ll move on to the second round to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 29: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on March 29, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.
While the Lakers moving past the first round remains big news, a subject that has arguably received more attention is the looming Reaves injury return.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Reaves is optimistic about coming back for Los Angeles in Game 5.
“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,” Shams Charania wrote in a post on X Tuesday morning. “Reaves will be a game-time decision for the third consecutive contest.”
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.
Officially, Reaves remains a game-time decision, but barring any pregame injury setbacks, he is expected to suit up.
Though the Lakers haven’t necessarily struggled overall without him or Doncic, getting back their second-leading scorer would be a big help in closing out the Rockets and their potential next round matchup against the Thunder.
If Reaves does return, he is expected to slowly work back into his pre-injury form, as his grade 2 oblique strain has kept him out for four weeks.
As for Doncic, he remains out indefinitely. The Lakers haven’t offered a return date on him, and while the Slovenian has made on-court progress, he remains without a timeline to get back on the floor.
Lakers vs Rockets Game 5 tips off on Wednesday, April 29, at 7 pm PST and will be live on ESPN.
Eli Gregorski is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy Sports. He has years of sports writing experience covering the NBA, NFL, college football and basketball, international soccer, and Formula One. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was the assistant sports editor for the award-winning CU Independent student publication. More about Eli Gregorski
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